Colchester City Council has been awarded £310,770 by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to fund schemes that aim to reduce air pollution and make Colchester’s air cleaner for residents and visitors.
The funding, announced on 10 February 2023, will support the council’s drive to improve air quality in the city, supporting the work of the Clear Air For Colchester project.
The money will fund several initiatives, encouraging and supporting residents and local businesses to take part in active travel schemes and engaging the community to help improve air quality in the city. Additionally, the funding will enable the council to deliver an e-learning module to local businesses and provide further school support for the CAReless Pollution campaign, encouraging people to switch off their engines while stationary, which can reduce pollution by up to 30 per cent.
The funding will also enable the council to continue work around cycling, including a new eCargo Bike short-term loan scheme for residents, and improved cycling support and resources, including a revamped Cycle Colchester website and an updated Cycle Colchester map.
Cllr Steph Nissen, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “This funding from DEFRA will enable the council to fund essential projects. Reducing pollution in Colchester is an essential part of our commitment to deliver a greener future for everyone in the city. Encouraging residents to play their part in reducing pollution is fundamental to the success of this project, and this money will allow us to reach more people than ever and make a real difference to air quality.”
Page last reviewed: 17 February 2023