The area round Chain Bar in Cleckheaton is an air pollution hotspot. The pollution measured was that caused by particulates and gases emitted by traffic. The pollution in that area is above European Union safety guidelines. The Government has a responsibility to reduce air pollution levels and is currently failing to do so.
I learned today at a discussion at the Kirklees Council Health and Well Being Board that:
* 1 in every 20 deaths in Kirklees are caused by the effects of air pollution
* air pollution has a significant impact on health including asthma and cardio vascular disease
* the World Health Organisation states that some of the particulates emitted by traffic are carcinogenic ie cancer causing

Kirklees Council is working with other councils across West Yorkshire to try and tackle the problem. A WY Low Emission Strategy is being developed.

One of the actions that Kirklees must take is to take air quality into account when drawing up its Planning Policy.

Action for Cleckheaton is needed. We will do all in our power to make sure that decision makers in the Council take appropriate action.