Caroline Allen: 'They know that it’s an issue people care about so they have to do something'

Published: 13 July, 2012
by ANDREW JOHNSON

AN inquiry into air quality in Islington will be launched by the Town Hall on Tuesday – four months after Green campaigners were told at a council meeting that nothing could be done.

The review will “explore the causes and effects of air quality and ensure that Islington’s contribution to reducing air pollution is maximised”.

It will also look at “major pollutants and causes” and reducing pollution by looking at “idling engines, industrial pollutants, bonfires and smoke control”.

Green Party candidate Caroline Allen welcomed the review, but said it did not go far enough as it was not looking at short car journeys or the Roamer parking scheme, which allows some residents to park anywhere.

She accused the Labour Party of “playing politics” with the issue, adding that, after a Green Party survey in March found that pollutant levels in Islington were 75 per cent above legal limits, campaigners’ complaints were “dismissed out of hand” at a council meeting.

In March, Labour’s environment chief councillor Paul Smith said that air pollution was part of living in an inner-city borough and the council had real issues to deal with.

Ms Allen said: “They know that it’s an issue people care about so they have to do something. But at least they are doing something – even if it is hidden away under the regeneration and employment review committee.”