Cheshire East Council is asking for residents to give their views on the council's updated air quality strategy.  

There are a few small areas – often where traffic is heavier – where there are air pollution concerns that the council is addressing through its air quality management programme.

There are twelve Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) across the borough. These AQMAs were declared due to an excess of nitrogen dioxide from vehicle emissions.

There of these, are in Macclesfield, being the A523 London Road, Macclesfield, Broken Cross, Macclesfield and Hibel Road, Macclesfield.

London Road is one of three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Macclesfield.

This means Macclesfield has three of the 12 worst sites for air quality in Cheshire East, and it is highly likely that you will use one of these roads every day. So the largest form of local government which represents Macclesfield, is encouraging YOU to share your views.

In a press release, Cheshire East Council wrote: "While vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution within the borough, it is not the only contributing factor."

"Therefore, the air quality strategy highlights other sources of emissions, such as domestic, industrial and agricultural activities, and sets out the council's approach to these emission sources.

Cheshire East Council's HQ, Westfields. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"Cheshire East Council is now undertaking a review of the strategy and would like your views on the proposed draft Air Quality Strategy for 2024-2029."

"There is a statutory requirement for all local authorities to have an air quality strategy.  

"The aim of the strategy is to support the achievement of the air quality objectives and to ensure air quality is considered within a wide range of local government and regional planning frameworks, such as the Local Transport Plan. It aims to drive greater improvements in air quality at the local level and is reviewed on a five-yearly basis."

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council's environment and communities committee, said: "Although there are no major changes planned in terms of the overall approach that the council intends to take, the input of residents is very important to us, as we know they are in the best position to advise us of any concerns they may have from a hyper local perspective. 

Macclesfield East, Independent Cllr Mick Warren. (Photo: Cheshire East)

"I welcome all communication with our local residents and look forward to receiving their views and suggestions."  

The new Air Quality Strategy can be read HERE, and contains over 5000 words.

The consultation is live and will remain open until Friday 17 May. 

Your views on the plan for the next five years are sought. Those responding should email all feedback on the strategy to [email protected] by the above date.

The council recently voted for a u-turn on that would have led to a crackdown on engine idling.