Pollution levels in Burton town centre are set to be targeted as part of a £200,000-plus scheme after the town was identified as a hot spot for issues.
Environmental campaigners claim issues with pollution from traffic is one of the big issues facing Burton. They would like to see people do what they did then the town's bridge was closed for 11 weeks when many ditched the car and walked to work to avoid the tailbacks.
This project aims to improve air quality in Staffordshire - with Burton town centre among seven areas earmarked for attention in the county.
The Staffordshire outlay is part of a £220 million funding programme from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs aimed at improving polluted areas throughout the UK.
The cash will go towards campaigns to highlight the importance of clean air, tackle issues with idling vehicles adding to pollution levels and encouraging people to go for greener and more economic travel options than always opting for the car.
A pot of £208,000 will be shared between Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City council to fund projects to tackle the problems. A large chunk of the money will go on education in a bid to get people to change their habits in a bid to bring pollution levels down.
Lawrence Oates, chairman of Burton Conservation Volunteers welcomed the money, saying that he was 'concerned' about pollution in the town.
The voluntary group aims to improve the environment and protect wildlife in the Burton area by encouraging community awareness.
Mr Oates, 62 said: "In most town centre's there is a problem. I am concerned and it is important. I've been thinking about this for years since it first came up as an issue in Burton.
"Buses stop and the engines continue kicking over. I would like to see more sustainable transport brought in. Like when the bridge shut, a lot of people were worried about not getting out in their car. But me, I'm 68 and thought I'd get out on my bike and it made me cycle.
"I've been round the country, and I've seen in Manchester and in London and other big cities, they have hybrid buses. I think we can educate people better. We're speaking a lot about education but we're not looking after the world."
He also thought a car share scheme could be brought in in the town, allowing drivers to inform one another where they are going and when, in order to share expenses and lower pollution.
Under the project, specialists go into schools to educate children about what they can do to reduce their input to the pollution, such as walking to school.
Alan White, deputy leader and cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council, has also welcomed the funding.
He said: "We know that air pollution, especially from vehicles on some of our most congested main roads, can cause many health issues and it’s important we do what we can to improve air quality for everyone.
"This funding is very welcome and will not only allow us to run some practical campaigns with local communities, schools and businesses but will also allow us to explore other longer-term solutions to the issue.
"We'll also be bringing together expertise from our own public health teams and highways department and will be working closely with district and borough councils."
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Along with the town centre in Burton, other areas in Staffordshire being targeted include Wall Island in Lichfield, to Alrewas, Cannock, Heath Hayes and the town centres of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Kidsgrove.
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey insisted that improving air quality was not simply about tackling car emissions.
She said: "We have been clear that local leaders are best placed to develop innovative plans that rapidly meet the needs of their communities.
"This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to support the local momentum needed and continue to improve our air now and for future generations.
"Improving air quality is about more than just tackling emissions from transport, so later this year we will publish a comprehensive Clean Air Strategy. This will set out how we will address all forms of air pollution, delivering cleaner air for the whole country."
