Bletchingley and Nutfield Parish Council’s have for many years been concerned about the long term effects of poor air quality as our villages are adversely affected by exhaust gases generated by traffic from two motorways, the busy A25, aircraft using airports in and around London, and the dust from three local sand quarries.
District Councils are responsible for monitoring air quality and levels of NOx are recorded at a number of local sites. However we have been advised that there is insufficient funding in Tandridge to monitor the small particulates, raised levels of which can be seriously detrimental to health.
Exposure to small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can affect both your lungs and your heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:
- premature death in people with heart or lung disease
- irregular heartbeat and heart attacks
- aggravated asthma
- decreased lung function
- increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.
People with heart or lung diseases, children, and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure.
In early 2017, the 2 parish councils jointly purchased and installed a particulate sensor on the A25 which bisects both villages. We gratefully acknowledge that this initiative has been assisted by a generous donation from our County Councillor’s Surrey members’ allocation and funding from the community infrastructure levy (CIL). Our thanks also to Peter Crate of J&J Franks who installed the monitor free of charge.
Our sensor is now transmitting data electronically throughout each day. Tandridge District Council has agreed that should high levels of the dangerous fine particulates be recorded within the next year, they will undertake the responsibility for monitoring.
For questions or further information please contact the clerk at info@bletchingley.org.uk.
