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Ipswich council seeks resident's views on air quality management changes

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich Borough Council is proposing to revoke one of its Air Quality Management Areas due to falling pollution levels. Residents are invited to share their views on the plans.

The big picture: The council currently has four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in place to address high levels of nitrogen dioxide. As pollution has decreased, one of these areas may now be revoked.

What are AQMAs? AQMAs are geographical areas where local authorities declare that air pollution levels are, or are likely to be, higher than national air quality objectives.

  • They aim to protect the environment and people's health.

  • Local authorities declare AQMAs when they identify areas where air quality objectives are not likely to be met.

  • Once declared, local authorities create a Local Air Quality Action Plan to improve air quality in the area.

A car exhaust
The council attributes the improvements to changes in commuting patterns post-COVID and increased use of electric vehiclesSerge CornuGetty Images

Key details:

  • The AQMA proposed for revocation covers the area around the junction of Norwich Road, Chevallier Street and Valley Road, extending to Providence Lane.

  • This follows a sustained improvement in air quality over five years.

  • The council will continue monitoring pollution levels across Ipswich.

What they're saying: Councillor John Cook, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, said: "We're pleased that levels of air pollution across the town are steadily improving, and that sustained improvement over five years at this location means Government guidance is to revoke this AQMA."

Between the lines: The council attributes the improvements to changes in commuting patterns post-COVID and increased use of electric vehicles.

What's next: The public consultation on these proposals closes on Sunday 27 October 2024.

How to participate: Residents can email their comments to environmental.health@ipswich.gov.uk.

The bottom line: While one AQMA may be revoked, the council says it will continue efforts to reduce pollution further through its Air Quality Action Plan.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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