THE recent Camelford air quality management consulation event, organised by Cornwall Council, has been described as ‘underwhelming in the extreme,’ writes Suzanne Cleave.

Feedback on the event was given at Camelford Town Council meeting on Wednesday, March 14.

Cllr Claire Hewlett, who also chairs the Camelford Clean Air Group, noted that overall, between 3pm and 7pm, 55 people attended.

She said it was ‘underwhelming in the extreme’, adding: “Seriously, really, is that it?”

Cllr Hewlett said of the 14 possible ‘solutions’ to the town’s poor air quality, offered by the county council, the two that stand the greatest chance of being developed in the short-term are a targeted vehicle anti-idling campaign, and and an advisory or mandatory engine switch off/anti-idling zones within the street canyon along Fore Street and High Street.

The report states in solutions 13 and 14 that a ‘bid has been submitted to Defra,’ so Cllr Hewlett asked the council what the bid was for. She was told if it the bid was successful, the council would work with the town council and volunteers and the money would be used for hi-vis jackets, a printing run and personal pollution monitors.

It was suggested that people could stand by the traffic lights, with leaflets and knock on the windows of vehicles, and encourage people to turn off their engines.

“If that’s seriously what they are suggesting to remedy our anti-pollution problem, that’s seriously a joke. It just went on and on and on and I just thought this was a complete farce. If there’s no money then say, there’s no money.”

Cllr Hewlett said three members of Cornwall Council staff were present at the drop-in event, and although she said it wasn’t their fault as they are employees, she found the exercise ‘insulting and condescending’.

Cllr Peter Guesford replied: “But you expect them to know what they’re talking about.”

Cllr Alan Burgiss said: “I understand that the government has to make sure local government has to have sufficient funds to get this work done. There’s talk of finds if the work is not done.”

Cllr Aaron Dawe said key points focussed on car sharing and cycling, but Cllr Hewlett said cycling is not going to help with the HGVs.

“Davidstow (Dairy Crest) is not going to have its milk delivered by bicycle.”

Mayor, Cllr Rob Rotchell added: “For Camelford’s location, that is only applicable for social purposes.”

Summing up the exercise, Cllr Hewlett said she felt ‘dismay, disillusion and depressed’, adding: “We just need to show we feel we’ve been treated with complete contempt.”

The consultation will run until April 2, and Cllr Hewlett urged her fellow councillors to all respond as individuals.

Councillors also agreed to send a letter of response to Cornwall Council.