Air quality improved in four areas, council says

Four areas across West Northamptonshire have improved their air quality standard, but a council says "there is still more to do".

West Northamptonshire Council said air quality management areas (AQMAs), where standards were now being met, had been revoked.

The Reform UK-controlled council said the revoked AQMAs covered Watling Street, Towcester and Victoria Promenade, Campbell Square and St Michael's Road in Northampton.

They received targeted action from the local authority after nitrogen dioxide pollutant levels were found to be higher than the national target.

The council said it would "continue to monitor" air quality across the area, and said that three other AQMAs at Bradshaw Street, St James and Harborough Road North in Northampton would remain in place.

It added that air quality monitoring was in place at more than 140 locations across its jurisdiction "to ensure continued compliance with national air quality objectives".

Councillor Andrew Last said: "Cleaner air benefits everyone – from improving the health of our residents to making our communities more attractive places to live and work.

Last, the council's cabinet member for HR, corporate and regulatory services, added: "While this is encouraging progress, we know there is more to do, and we will continue to monitor air quality closely and take action where it's needed most."

The council said it continued to work with partners to deliver on measures set out in its air quality action plan.

In 2024, under the previous Conservative administration, air quality campaign group 1,000 voices protested outside council offices as the action plan was approved.

The group, along with the West Northamptonshire Green Party, has been approached for comment after the four AQMAs were revoked.

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