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Sheffield Becomes 'Beacon' Of Best Practice For Tackling Air Quality
March 2007
Sheffield has become one of only four areas to receive national recognition for its commitment to delivering cleaner air.
After a comprehensive bidding process, the city has been awarded ‘Beacon’ status and will now receive extra government funding and resources to help share best practice with other local authorities.
During the Beacon Scheme application, a partnership comprising Sheffield City Council, local organisations, businesses and community groups, was able to demonstrate a firm commitment to communicating clear and effective messages around improving air quality, and that it was working in partnership to deliver effective measures to identify, monitor and tackle air pollution.
Cllr Mary Lea, Cabinet member for Sustainable Environment at Sheffield City Council said: “It is great that it has been acknowledged that we are moving in the right direction to try and improve air quality in the city. There is still a lot to do and we will be focusing our efforts with our partners in the coming years to do all we can for the city. The Care4air campaign has been a real success and has helped us achieve Beacon status. There is no short term solution to the problem but we are working hard to improve air quality in the city.”
The news was welcomed by South Yorkshire air quality awareness campaign, Care4Air, which has worked closely with Sheffield City Council and other agencies to achieve Beacon status.
Mark Daly, Care4Air spokesperson, said: “We are delighted that Sheffield has gained a Beacon Award around delivering cleaner air. The Care4Air campaign has been a key part of the bid, and is seen as a highly successful and innovate campaign by those in the city, and outside. Care4Air has been effective in promoting small changes to local businesses and residents that can have a significant affect on air quality.“
The Beacon Scheme, which was introduced in 1999, is intended to recognise excellence amongst local authorities, facilitate the spread of best practice and improve local authorities’ performance.
Shortlisted authorities had to show evidence that they go beyond the call of duty to promote air quality and work in partnership to minimise impacts of air pollution whilst delivering improvements to local air quality.
Sheffield is one of only seven authorities to achieve two Beacon awards this year - 'Delivering Cleaner Air' and 'Promoting financial inclusion and tackling over-indebtedness'
For a full list of winners, please visit: www.beacons.idea.gov.uk.