AN Air Quality Management plan for Camelford will go out to public consultation next month.

Air quality has been monitored in the town for many years and poor air quality was confirmed at several locations along the A39, leading to Defra declaring it as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in January 2017.

This followed a serious level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) being found in parts of the town, reaching 62.1ug/m3, which greatly exceeded the level that is considered safe — below 40ug/m3.

Camelford became one of seven air quality management areas in Cornwall.

The declaration also led to the formation of the Camelford Clean Air Group, which has campaigbned for safer and cleaner air in Camelford, as well as the implementation of alternative traffic routes.

Cornwall Council has been carrying out work on the action plan, including setting out measures that could be taken to improve air quality in the town.

Cllr Claire Hewlett gave an update to town councillors at last week’s meeting.

She said the plan will go out to public consultation from February 5 to April 2, adding: “Then we might know what they’re going to do about our air quality. That’s progress of sorts.”

A drop-in session will be held at Camelford Hall, Clease Road on Tuesday, March 6 from 3pm to 7pm, run by Cornwall Council for residents to find out more and make their comments known.