Council and democracy

Croydon's Gold Medal-winning steps to clean air

Health charity Asthma UK has highlighted the good work carried out by the council, particularly with its innovative airTEXT service, by awarding it a gold medal certificate.

Asthma UK said a significant point in awarding the certificate was the airTEXT service because of its work in warning those who suffer when air pollution levels increase. In addition to poor air quality affecting people with breathing problems, it has a detrimental effect on those with heart conditions.

airText works by sending a warning text message to subscribers, alerting them to the fact that pollution levels have risen, or are expected to rise, thus allowing them to plan their day's movements and activities accordingly. For example, a subscriber who may have been planning to take a walk in the afternoon can opt for an early morning or evening stroll instead, when pollutions levels could be expected to be lower.

Launched in July 2005, the success of the service has been such that it has subsequently been adopted by authorities across the UK and a number of foreign countries. Indeed, Beijing's council has decided to use it extensively during the Olympics.

Councillor Steve O'Connell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion, said: "We're very pleased to receive this award, which recognises the measures taken by the council to cut levels of air pollution in the borough.

"These have included the launch of idling-vehicle enforcement patrols to re-educate drivers, particularly outside schools and at bus stands, as to what they can do to help.

And airTEXT has gone a long way to improving the quality of life of those most affected by the quality of air they breathe. The service, I know, has been a boon to many, firstly in Croydon and now, it's good to see, across the world."

Neil Churchill, chief executive, Asthma UK, said: "We are delighted to present Croydon Council with our Clean Air Gold Medal award in recognition of its efforts to reduce the impact of air pollution on the lives of the 28,000 people in Croydon who suffer from asthma.

"Evidence suggests that people with asthma are in greater danger of having an attack when exposed to air pollution, and in the UK more than 200 people a day are admitted to hospital with potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.

"We hope that this award will encourage other local authorities to follow Croydon's example by acting now to tackle air pollution and helping to improve the lives of people with asthma."

If you have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or heart disease diagnosed by a doctor, or look after somebody with one of those conditions, and would like to find out more or sign up for the free service, visit www.airtext.info.

You can also send an email to pollution@croydon.gov.uk or call 020 8760 5483.