AIR quality is improving in Colchester but there is still a long way to go, figures show.

Since 2012, four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) have been in place across the borough in areas where pollution was exceeding national guidelines.

Now the latest Air Quality Annual Status Report shows a reduction in pollutant concentrations in St Andrew’s Avenue and Harwich Road – meaning the 'management area' can now be lifted.

However, it has also highlighted changes to traffic management schemes at the East Hill end of the High Street means the boundary needs to be expanded to include homes up to Lewis Gardens.

The World Health Organisation’s recommendation of nitrogen dioxide is 40μg/m3.

In East Street the current level is 38.43μg/m3.

In areas like the High Street and Brook Street, which are notorious for pollution, the level is 48.55μg/m3.

Where an AQMA is identified, the council must develop an Air Quality Local Action Plan highlighting how they will improve air quality.

The council has developed a range of projects and initiatives including:

- Retrofitting ten buses to reduce emissions, with additional funding to upgrade a further 18

- Amending the council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy to encourage cleaner vehicles

- Introducing a “No Idling” policy for council staff

- Planned introduction of electric charging points in council car parks

Martin Goss (Lib Dem) councillor responsible for sustainability and infrastructure, said: “We want to ensure our residents are able to live healthy lives and the fact the number of AQMAs we have has declined is very encouraging, however we know pollution and poor air quality does still exist in three areas.

“This latest report shows we are delivering on our commitment to tackle poor air quality, but we do have work to do in some parts of the borough and will continue to work with other authorities to tackle these areas.

“Air pollution is so harmful to people’s health and wellbeing and I would encourage everyone to consider the simple steps they could take to make a difference, such as turning off their engines while stationary."