1st February, 2010

Residents in the Grove Lodge Roundabout area suffer from poor air quality since 2008.

The Cabinet Member for a Clean and Green Environment is to declare the area an "Air Quality Management Area" as legally required by the 1995 Environment Act.

Levels of Nitrogen Dioxide are exceeding the annual air quality objective for the pollutant and are predicted to continue to do so.  Heavy traffic on the A27 is the cause of the problem - especially in the stretch between Grove Lodge and Lyons Farm.

A newsletter is to be sent to residents explaining the problem including a consultation on possible action to remedy the situation.  West Sussex highlighted the problem in a report dated July 2008 and also a potential similar problem at Teville Gate.

In the 2008 report Worthing Council commented: "Air Quality in Worthing remains generally good, however, ongoing monitoring has indicated problems at a few sites where residential property is built within a few metres of high levels of congested traffic.  One monitoring site near the Grove Lodge roundabout has recorded regular levels in excess of the Government's Air Quality Objective for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).  It is likely that an Air Quality Management area will be declared on the related section of the A27 trunk road later in the year (2008)."

David Potter, Shadow Cabinet Member for a Clean and Green Environment, said: "Sorting out congestion on the A27 is the key to this problem but instead of twiddling our thumbs waiting for something to happen both Worthing Borough and West Sussex County Councils should act now.  Illuminated signs warning drivers of the problem would be a start - reminding them to cut their engines while waiting."

Alan Rice, West Sussex County Councillor for Broadwater Division, added: "We have known about this problem for at least 18 months - we owe it to the residents for the sake of their health to take whatever action is necessary as soon as possible."