Yesterday (19 June) marked Clean Air Day, and Colchester City Council was proud to support UK's largest air pollution campaign to raise awareness about air pollution and how it affects people’s health, and to encourage everyone to take small steps towards cleaner air.
As part of the campaign, the council worked closely with schools, local NHS services and residents to engage the wider community in learning about air quality and how individual actions can make a difference.
Much of the activity this year was focused around Colchester Hospital. On Clean Air Day, an information stand at the hospital shared advice with staff, patients and visitors about how air pollution affects health and how small changes – like switching off engines or walking short journeys – can help. Children from Millfields Primary School made colourful “clean air clouds” displaying their own pledges for how they can help to reduce air pollution in the city. These were on display in the hospital to get people thinking and talking about cleaner air. The council also shared fun, air-quality themed activities with the paediatrics department, used in the waiting area to help engage children and families.
Air pollution monitoring took place in the hospital car park yesterday, focusing on areas where vehicles often leave engines running, helping to raise awareness of the impact of engine idling and support efforts to reduce pollution levels around the site.
Earlier in the week, Colchester City Council joined with Ipswich Borough Council and East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) to run a webinar for NHS staff, highlighting the impact of air pollution on health and practical ways healthcare staff can support cleaner air in their workplaces and communities.
Dr Becca Elson, Clinical Sustainability Lead at ESNEFT, said: “We are pleased to have worked with Colchester City Council to support Clean Air Day. The health of our patients, staff and visitors is deeply affected by the quality of the air we all breathe. Through this partnership, we’re helping to raise awareness and encourage action – both within our hospitals and across the wider community.”
To further support clean air efforts, the council is installing “Turn off your engine” signs at Brook St and East Street following a previous successful trial. The signs encourage drivers to switch off their engines when stationary, helping to improve air quality for residents living along Brook Street and East Hill, as well as for individuals inside their vehicles.
Elsewhere in the city, a display of “clean air clouds” with pledges created by pupils at St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School were set up at Firstsite earlier this week. The display will remain in place for at least a few weeks, giving more people the chance to view it and reflect on the importance of clean air.
Cllr Lee Scordis, Colchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “Clean Air Day is a great way to get people thinking about how important clean air is for our health. The good news is that we can all do something to help – whether it’s walking more, turning off your engine when waiting, or just learning more about the issue. These small changes all add up. The council is proud to be part of this and to support the local community to make a difference.”
Colchester City Council hopes residents across the city will take a moment to think about the air they breathe and the small steps they can take to help make it cleaner. Residents can read the council’s Air Quality Action Plan, which details how we are managing air quality in specific areas, by following this link.
Page last reviewed: 20 June 2025