Village's air quality back in the spotlight

The '˜challenging problem' of poor air quality in Cowfold is being explored.
Traffic in Cowfold. Photo by resident Graham HazardTraffic in Cowfold. Photo by resident Graham Hazard
Traffic in Cowfold. Photo by resident Graham Hazard

The village was declared an air quality management area in December 2011 due to high levels of nitrogen dioxide being detected in the area which exceeded Government objective levels.

Nitrogen dioxide is an acidic gas that is predominantly caused by road traffic emissions.

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If your health is good, the levels of air pollution we usually experience in the UK are unlikely to have any serious short-term effects. But when air pollution levels are consistently high, people with lung or heart problems are at greater risk, especially if they are elderly.

Cowfold is located on the intersection of two main arterial roads, the A281 running north/south and the A272 running east/west. It is therefore very challenging to reduce traffic emissions in the village.

A spokesman for Horsham District Council said today (Friday July 29) the Cowfold Air Quality Action Plan Steering Group had met and was continuing to explore various options to improve air quality and will consider these against both their effectiveness and how easy the measures are to deliver.

Commenting on the work of the Steering Group, its Chairman Cllr Roger Clark said: “This is a very challenging problem and it is important that District, County and Parish Councils work together to come up with possible solutions. The Steering Group plays an essential role for this collaborative working and we are all committed to playing our part in improving air quality for Cowfold.”

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The steering group is made up of members and officers from West Sussex County and Horsham District Councils together with a representative from Cowfold Parish Council.

For more information go to the Cowfold Air Quality web pages on Horsham District Council’s website:

https://www.horsham.gov.uk/environmentalhealth/environmental-health/air-quality/cowfold-air-quality