King's Lynn: Council asks public for help to improve air quality

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council is asking residents to review its draft air quality action plan

A council is asking the public for ideas to cut levels of pollution.

Norfolk has air quality management areas (AQMAs) in Norwich, King's Lynn and Swaffham.

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council is asking residents to review its draft air quality action plan.

Councillor Michael de Whalley said: "Air quality is something that impacts us all and we should all have an interest in taking steps to improve it."

The draft plan sets out 16 actions aimed at improving air quality in King's Lynn town centre and the Gaywood Clock area.

The council is examining changes to the one-way system and talking with bus companies about using lower emission or electric vehicles.

'Tightness in my chest'

Sophie Sheffield, who has asthma, walks from the railway station to work every day, a route which includes the busy Gaywood Road.

"When the traffic is heavy I can feel the tightness in my chest and it is worse when there are queues of cars," she said.

"I am concerned about the effect on children because there are several schools along this road."

In Norwich, the city and county councils are pursuing measures to cut pollution, with a fleet of electric buses due to be delivered by the end of March and changes to make cycling and walking easier and safer.

The charity Asthma and Lung UK said national limits on pollutants such as nitrous oxide, which comes mainly from traffic emissions, and on fine particles of dust should be tougher.

Tim Dexter, from the charity, said: "UK levels are are not fit for purpose and are outdated now we see all the evidence that has come out about the impact it can have on people's health."