COUNCIL chiefs are pressing ahead with measures to cut pollution in the borough.

At a council meeting on October 11, a Labour motion was passed which commits Trafford to identify Clean Air Zones and develop an action plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations by the end of March next year.

This will allow the borough to seek some of a Government £255 million national implementation fund available to support this process, and then bid for further funds from a competitive Clean Air fund.

In Greater Manchester this initiative will be organised by Transport for Greater Manchester, who are coordinating all air quality initiatives on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. T

his could support long term interventions such as improving concessionary travel, supporting cyclists and rethinking road infrastructure.

ThE motion was supported by all Councillors, and a Conservative amendment also included a commitment to sign up to UK100 - a leading UK wide network of cities and local authorities campaigning for a Clean Air Act and wider improvements, leading to 100 per cent clean energy in UK towns and cities by 2050.

Cllr Kevin Procter, who represents Urmston for Labour, who raised the motion, said: “We are aware the World Health Organisation has said that air in the Greater Manchester area contains levels of dangerous particles which are above the legally safe level to breathe. 

"Air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer, it can worsen existing health conditions and stunt the growth of children’s lungs.

"In Trafford the A56 traffic air pollution has attracted concern from residents for a long time, and the increasing traffic volume on the M60 and nearby proposed biomass plant is a worry in terms of the negative impact to the health and wellbeing of nearby residents, and especially to young children and those residents suffering with respiratory illnesses.

"I am therefor very pleased that we have been able to reach all party support for this motion.

"It is the first important step in trying to reduce the seriously high levels of air pollution in many parts of our borough.

"The motion also agreed  that regular progress reports would be provided to Council members and residents on the progress of the action plan.

"Trafford residents will therefore be kept informed about the plan as we move forward, and be encouraged to contribute their ideas and views as this develops.”