WEST Devon Borough Council is putting together an air quality action plan to protect and improve air quality across the borough.

While air quality across West Devon is generally very good, the council has a legal responsibility to produce an air quality action plan. With South Hams District Council having three locations where air quality fails to meet national and international levels for nitrogen dioxide, both councils are exploring ways that they can protect and improve air quality.

To enable them to do this they have produced a Clean Air Strategy, which brings together all of the councils’ proposed actions for managing air quality.

The strategy was scrutinised by the hub committee in West Devon and ‘executive’ at South Hams, with an agreement to carry out a public consultation before any decisions are taken about what course of action might be the best way forward.

Now the two councils are about to embark on an initial eight-week consultation on the Clean Air Strategy, looking at the proposals and considering what we can do about it together.

Leader of West Devon Borough Council Cllr Philip Sanders said: ‘This is an opportunity for you to not only tell us what you think of the strategy but also to tell us of any ideas you may have for potential solutions to poor air quality.

‘So please do give us your thoughts and ideas and we will discuss them with our partner agencies after the consultation closes.’

The councils recognise that national policy is promoting ultra-low emission vehicles and in light of this the strategy, also seeks to support the infrastructure that is required to make this possible, such as electric charging points for cars.

It also recognises the benefits that cycling and walking can have both on air quality and on the health of residents and as a result the councils will also be exploring ways to improve cycling and pedestrian networks between villages, towns and communities.

The consultation started on April 20 and runs to June 20. All of the comments and ideas will be explored and discussed before a final Air Quality Strategy is presented to both councils later in the year.

The air quality team are happy to discuss the options available, and hope to attend town and parish councils in the air quality management areas.

To provide feedback please email: [email protected]