Protest held outside council offices over toxic air

There was a protest outside the Guildhall in Northampton over toxic air

A protest was held outside council offices in Northamptonshire as campaigners tried to highlight harmful toxic air in the area.

Campaigners from 1000 Voices protested outside the Guildhall in Northampton as part of Clean Air Night, set up by Global Action Plan.

Protestors were seen wearing hazmat suits and masks with one carrying a baby doll wearing a gas mask.

A spokesperson for West Northamptonshire Council said it recognised concerns about air quality and was "committed" to carrying out monitoring across the area.

One protestor carried a baby doll wearing a gas mask

A study by the Housefresh website in 2022 suggested that Northampton had the worst air pollution in the country, with residents inhaling the equivalent of 189 cigarettes a year.

Clean Air Night took place on Wednesday and was set up by a campaign group called Global Action Plan.

'Harmful for everyone'

The group said: "“It’s important to stress the impact of air pollution on the very young, and even babies still in the womb."

The council spokesperson added: "Identifying areas, such as Northampton, where we can focus our efforts on improving air quality is a key part of the work being planned to meet our ambitions for good housing in places which are clean and green.

“We will continue to seek national funding to further support education and take the necessary steps to address these concerns.”