OPPOSITION groups and climate campaigners in Winchester say that more should be done to tackle city centre pollution.

The city has a chronic problem, amongst the worst in Hampshire and the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) was discussed at the last council meeting.

Figures from Public Health England showed that poor air quality contributed to the deaths of some 51 residents.

If pollution is not reduced, the city council could be fined by Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The final plan will be looked at by councillors in March before going to DEFRA.

Parts of Winchester regularly go over emission levels, problem spots include St George’s Street, Chesil Street and parts of Romsey Road.

Measures to reduce emissions include a parking strategy to boost park and ride, reviewing and enforcing goods deliveries by time of day, and an additional northern park and ride site.

Other policies include council vehicles that enter the city centre meeting standards for low emission vehicles, and also ensuring heavy vehicles meet the Office of Low Emissions standards.

Cllr Frank Pearson, the former portfolio holder for environment, health and wellbeing said that the council is committed to tackling pollution.

He said: “Air quality is really an issue that exercises all of us, everyone should be aware in this chamber we have an air quality issue, and there is a desire that everyone follows through on that.”

However Liberal Democrats called for an amendment in council strategy on air quality, that it be considered in part of every council plan and strategy.

Cllr Kelsie Learney said: “Poor air quality not only kills but it is also linked to dementia, improving air quality not only has to be a priority but a top priority, whether other areas are worse is neither here or there, our priority has to be to our residents.”

Cllr Martin Tod said the amendment would “drive progress”, he pointed to the fact that air quality was not even mentioned in the brief and the discussions about the previously collapsed Station Approach scheme.

However Cllr Pearson claimed the amendment was a “political thing” and described it as unnecessary.

After the vote, which was 23 against the amendment and 19 for, leader of the Lib Dems in Winchester, Lucille Thompson said: “We are extremely disappointed that our amendment was not carried forward, however we do welcome the measures that have been approved.”

After the meeting Cllr Tod blogged: “It’s got to be impossible to ignore air quality in council plans – right across the council – as well as making sure that the Air Quality Action Plan due later this year does enough to tackle it. You can’t sort air quality in a silo. It’s got to be everyone’s business.

“That’s what we proposed. And it’s deeply disappointing – although not surprising – that, once again, the Conservatives voted it down.”

Winchester Action on Climate Change (WinACC) say they are pleased with the AQAP but fear it may not be enough.

Christine Holloway from WinACC said: "I absolutely agree that all council reports ought to consider the impact on air pollution and additional greenhouse gases.

"I think it would be fair to say that we are pleased that the council is producing a AQAP and indeed we have been working with them to give them ideas but we are worried that the plan does not make enough of an impact."