Councils could be legally bound to take action on air pollution

TOWN HAS HEIGHTENED LEVELS OF HARMFUL FUMES IN KEY JUNCTIONS

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

COUNCILS could be legally bound to tackle air pollution issues in a Derbyshire town with claims authorities have been “dragging their heels” on the problem.

Air pollution issues in Alfreton are now thought to be potentially severe enough to have an air quality management area designated by the Government.

This, Amber Valley Borough Council suspects, could be designated in the back half of 2026, pending ongoing testing for nitrogen dioxide levels at two four-way junctions of High Street, at Cressy Road and King Street respectively.

The most recent testing has found average nitrogen dioxide levels of 46.05 micrograms per cubic metre, above accepted levels of 40 micrograms per cubic metre.

Now 18 testing tubes have been deployed in pairs at nine locations in AG1 (Kings Street), High Street and Church Street to get further, more detailed information.

The council said the problem largely relates to heavy goods vehicles driving through the town and the “canyoning” effect of buildings along the road.

Cllr Steve Marshall-Clarke, a Labour borough councillor and former county councillor, said he had been lobbying for action on the issue for years but claims to have largely been ignored.

He said: “There is a canyoning effect and we have been told this would be detrimental if homes are within two metres, and we are 2.5 metres.