Taking action to ensure cleaner air in Cheltenham for our young people

Throughout June, No Child Left Behind - the project that aims to help children and young people in Cheltenham thrive – is raising awareness of why protecting clean air is so important for children with a fun and interactive campaign.

NCLB is encouraging everyone in the town to think about how they can reduce air pollution whether at school, home or work. The month-long project in June celebrating Clean Air Day 2024 on 20 June will promote simple tips for everyone to use in daily life, as well as interesting facts and statistics.

Everyone will be able to take part in clean air challenges, learn from short education videos and tips which they can then try at home. Children and young people will also be able to take part in a fun competition. People will be encouraged to try out active travel options with their families such as walking and cycling to school and help discourage actions such as idling in vehicles outside schools that can negatively impact air quality.

Many schools across Cheltenham are taking part in the campaign including children at The Catholic School of St Gregory the Great and High School Leckhampton who will monitor the air quality at their school gates using Monty and Molly, the council’s Zephyr monitors which provide detailed air quality measurements every 15 minutes. 

These schools, along with others, have been taking part in the council’s ‘care for our air’ project, that aims to raise awareness of air pollution and support schools in reducing pollution at their gates.

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “Air quality is something that we cannot see but impacts everyone - and we all have a duty to do everything we can to protect our young people and those most vulnerable.

“We’re pleased to be working with NCLB to raise awareness throughout June. Together in our own communities, we can all take action to improve air quality in Cheltenham and we hope that our young people and families will have fun trying out the simple tips we’ll be sharing.  

“Driving less and walking and cycling more means we are all likely to be fitter and healthier as well as making a positive difference to the quality of our air.”

Tara Kirkham, executive assistant with Infrastar a key member of the NCLB network, said: “Infrastar is passionate about making our local community a better place and we are proud to support No Child Left Behind’s Clean Air Campaign. Clean air is everyone’s responsibility, and we can each play our part in helping reduce air pollution in Gloucestershire. Why not join us and do your bit to help?”

Follow NCLB for information and tips on social media: X @NCLBchelt, Facebook @NCLBchelt.

Find out more about air quality in Cheltenham on the council’s website: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/air-quality.

For media enquiries contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected].

Notes:

1.The Earthsense Zephyr monitors provide detailed air quality measurements (nitrogen dioxide, ozone, PM1, PM2.5, PM10) every 15 minutes. It is an award-winning, certified, indicative air quality monitor that links to a platform where teachers, children and parents (if they wish) can log on to see the data. Visit the Earthsense website for more information.