Neasden Pollution Figures Damning - Teather

10.27.53am GMT Wed 20th Jun 2007

Local MP Sarah has been campaigning for cleaner air at Neasden

Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, has called for urgent action following the release of dramatic Government figures showing that air pollution in Neasden Lane hit "high" or "very high" every three days.

Sarah has fought a long campaign against pollution from Neasden Goods Yard, which has a devastating effect on residents' quality of life. Neasden Lane has been dubbed the "dirtiest street in London".

Alloyde II, a contractor at the site, recently lost a legal appeal against the Council's revocation of their license. Yet local residents allege that the firm are continuing to operate at the Neasden Lane site. Sarah Teather spoke on behalf of local people at the appeal hearing, and has recently met with the Environment Agency to demand urgent enforcement action.

Sarah is also urging local people to call the Agency's hotline on 0800 807060 to report contractors when they breach regulations.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Every three days air pollution in Neasden is hitting unacceptably high levels. Neasden Lane has been called the dirtiest street in London and residents are living through a complete nightmare.

"It is an utter disgrace that, despite securing a legal ruling against Alloyde, there has been no kind of enforcement action. Alloyde have shown utter contempt for local people. I share Neasden residents' anger that contractors are being allowed to flout the rule of law in this manner.

"I have raised this in person with both the Environment Agency and Brent Council, and will continue to campaign on the issue until contractors have cleaned up their act.

"The whole community needs to speak up on the effect this chronic pollution is having on their lives. I strongly urge residents to call the Agency's hotline, in confidence if necessary, every time they have a complaint."

Related Links:

Sarah's Parliamentary Question to Environment Ministers.

Health effects of extreme pollution.

The Environment Agency.