Ipswich: Calls to support businesses fight air pollution

Fiona Ellis is the co-founder and chief executive of Fore Street charity Survivors in Transition - which is located in an area designated by Ipswich Borough Council as having levels of air pollution above the legal limit (an AQMA zone).

As a result, both she and her colleague Josh Edwards have set up air quality monitors throughout their headquarters in a bid to measure and raise awareness of how bad the issue is. 

Fiona (right) and Josh (left) are taking steps to tackle air pollution themselves. Credit: William Warnes (Image: William Warnes)

"We're located in one of the worst areas for air pollution in Ipswich," said Fiona. 

"The traffic in Fore Street can be terrible - especially when lanes are closed. 

"On some days you can actually see black stains on the white paint of our building.

"So we decided to purchase a monitor for £300 and have set up three other devices throughout our office. 

"Organisations should know about air pollution because they have a duty of care to their staff.

"The councils should incentivise this so more companies and organisations can do it."

One of the largest obstacles Fiona and Josh face happens to be that their headquarters is located in a listed building - meaning applying for planning permission to make changes such as double-glazed windows can be difficult. 

One of the monitors Fiona and Josh have set up. Credit: William Warnes (Image: William Warnes)

Instead, they have proposed alternatives to the borough and county councils such as building green spaces on top of vacant buildings and improving the traffic system.

"We know air quality is poor," said Fiona. 

"It's been a problem for years and nothing is being done.

"So that's why we're doing this and I hope other organisations can follow suit."

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman said: "The Council is committed to improving air quality within the Borough and has committed £100k of funding, each year, to air quality improvement projects.

"We have identified that the main cause of air pollution in Ipswich is road traffic and are working with partners to engage with the public to reduce car use, increase the use of public transport and cycling, and to encourage people to purchase of electric vehicles and to consider car sharing.

"The Council will continue to monitor air quality across Ipswich, with the results informing our air quality work and to develop measures that can provide potential improvements."

Cllr Paul West. Credit: Simon Lee Photography (Image: Simon Lee Photography)

Cllr Paul West, cabinet member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council, added: "A considerable number of schemes and campaigns are already in place across Suffolk, to support active and green travel, reduce emissions from vehicles and improve understanding of the impacts of poor air quality.

"We have worked closely with Ipswich Borough Council to identify the actions we can take to positively impact on air quality in Ipswich.

"There is more to be done, and we look forward to working with partners to continue to develop plans to improve air quality in Suffolk."