It’s been revealed that air pollution throughout Greater Manchester has crept back up to near pre-pandemic levels after a sharp drop during the first lockdown.
Data from the think tank Centre for Cities stated that there was a 40% reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels across Greater Manchester following the first national lockdown and ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions since, but this had returned to 93% of pre-pandemic levels by September.
The main source of NO2 pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, particularly fuel in vehicles.
These findings follow the end of an eight-week public consultation for a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the region, although plans for its implementation were previously delayed for a year because of the pandemic.
The study also looked at particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5μm or less (PM2.5) – their size means they can get deep into the lungs and bloodstream – finding that PM2.5 levels fell by 17% in the region during the first lockdown, but remained above the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines of 10µg/m3.
Speaking on the research findings, Andrew Carter – Chief Executive at Centre for Cities – said: “Toxic air has contributed to the deaths of thousands of COVID-19 victims this year and, even after the pandemic ends, will remain a big threat to health,
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“Particularly for those living in urban areas.”
Dom Goggins – a member of the Manchester Climate Change Board who runs the Parliamentary Group for Renewable and Sustainable Energy – has called for WHO standards to be written into the Environment Bill that is going through Parliament, saying: “It comes back to legislation and resources at a national level to give local leaders the powers and the resources, the capacity, to do what needs to be done.
“Local leaders can’t do this with their hands tied behind their back and at the moment it feels like that is what’s happening.”
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The government has directed Greater Manchester to introduce a Category C CAZ, now expected to be brought in by spring 2022.
It will be England’s biggest such zone and would require vans, buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses and heavy goods vehicles that do not meet emission standards to pay a daily charge to travel.
Private cars, motorbikes and mopeds are not included.
It will apply to all roads within Greater Manchester – except for motorways and trunk roads – and will operate 24/7 using Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology.
Mr Goggins – who has written several reports on air pollution in Greater Manchester, including Atmosphere (2018) and Unfair Air (2020) – added: “It’s essential if we’re going to deal with this problem that we’ve got to get fewer cars on the road, and we need to shift from high polluting vehicles to low polluting vehicles. But people who need a vehicle to earn a living can’t be penalised and the transitional funding needs to be made available by national government to the combined and local authorities in Greater Manchester to support that transition.”
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The public consultation on the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) closed on 3rd December and news on the final plan to be considered by the ten Greater Manchester local authorities is expected early next year.
You can find more information via the Clean Air GM website here.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”