Lib Dems candidate for Princes Park by-election is calling for Medway to have cleaner air

The World Health Organisation recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today. It causes heart and lung diseases, is linked to low birth weight and children's lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues. Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK.  

John Castle, the Lib Dems candidate for the upcoming Princes Park by-election said "I have campaigned vigorously on how pollution is affecting our towns. Chatham was named as one of the worst areas in the country for air quality, stating that one in 16 deaths in Chatham "are exclusively driven by combustion in commercial, institutional, and domestic activities linked to long-term exposure to particulates and linked to aggravating heart and lung conditions and causing cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, and respiratory effects such as asthma attacks and bronchitis."

Liberal Democrats have been consistent in calling on the Council to play a leadership role by adopting policies which are in line with our local environment, and by investing in infrastructure that will improve the air quality and health of Medway residents. Given electric and low emissions vehicles are key in tackling air pollution, the Council has failed to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points around Medway. The Council should ensure that locations such as public car parks and supermarkets, new developments and large-scale regeneration schemes include electric car charging facilities.

Electric buses can play a major part in reducing air pollution, and the Council should fast track the procurement of pure electric buses to transform Medway's bus fleet. Promote its existing Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) by encouraging people to use public transport and provide incentives with cheaper fares, a greater frequency of services, more twilight bus services, quicker journey times and promoting eco-driving and car sharing.

John Castle, added "The lack of action is appalling, especially when we learn more about the huge health impact of air pollution. The Council's response lacks urgency, considering it has already declared a climate change emergency, admitting that its previous targets were inadequate.

It is our belief that children, and particularly those from low-income families, will be impacted by the turmoil the pandemic has caused for years to come. We all have a role to play in protecting our children's health from the damaging consequences of air pollution - so they can learn and play safely.

We have an air quality management area running right through the centre of Medway all along the A2 from Strood to Hoath Way, with extensions along Luton Road and between Cuxton Hill and Frindsbury and Four Elms Hill, another running from the Lower Lines to Danes Hill and another running the length of Rainham High Street. This is a huge area of the centre of Medway where people are suffering poor air quality and the Council is clearly dragging its heels, just as the Government is anxious to reduce poor air quality post COVID by providing millions of pounds in grant funding.

Unless there is urgent action in reducing emissions, our town's air quality will worsen and the health of future generations will suffer. Action should start now to ensure that children around our towns are protected from dirty air as they learn and play.

We are calling for a local development plan that will invest in our local health, people deserve better, and Liberal Democrats demand better. "

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITIORS:

John is an experienced campaigner for Medway Liberal Democrats. John has a strong understanding of social justice and campaigned to reinstate a mental health unit in Medway. He is also actively campaigning on a number of issues, including the environment, homelessness issues and campaigning on air quality issues.

John has been a member of the Liberal Democrats since 2011 and has held several positions and is currently the Chair. John has stood for council twice previously in 2015 and 2019.

QUOTE:

"I know first hand that traffic related issues getting in and out of the ward can be a daily challenge for residents. These traffic issues contribute to the air quality issues seen across Medway. I know that the Council can do better on air quality. I believe in and campaign for the protection of greenspaces. The Conservatives are also letting developers have the whip hand. It's time to improve Medway, better is possible."