Jamie Hailstone 02 August 2017

Council apologises over air quality ‘manipulation’

Cheshire East Council has apologised after admitting its air quality figures were deliberately tampered with for three years.

In a statement, the local authority said ‘deliberate and systematic manipulation’ of the data from its air quality monitoring stations around the country took place between 2012 and 2014.

The statement follows an external investigation, after concerns were raised at cabinet last year.

According to the council, the investigation found incorrect air quality data was submitted to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which will need to be corrected.

It added the figures, which are known to have been altered, are ‘spread over a wide geographical area, which implies that the manipulation was not motivated by a wish to favour specific sites’.

And the local authority said the errors have also affected air quality assessments, which were carried out for planning applications in areas such as Nantwich, Congleton and Crewe.

‘On behalf of the council I would like to sincerely apologise in respect of these findings, we would like to assure everyone that we have done everything we can to rectify these failings,’ said the council’s director of planning and sustainable development, Sean Hannaby.

‘It is worth reiterating that in July 2016 the-then director of public health assured us that there are no immediate health protection measures needed as a result of these errors and I have been assured that this advice still stands.

‘We appreciate that it has been a year now since we first reported these concerns, but it was important that we ensured a thorough review and investigation into this important matter,’ added Mr Hannaby.

‘Significant work has been undertaken to ensure that there are now robust processes and procedures in place. The planning service is currently analysing the relevant planning applications to assess whether any additional mitigation measures are required.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£24,404 - £24,790
Working within the Kirklees Public Health Improvement team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Climate Change Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£40,476 - £42,708
Are you a passionate and enthusiastic Climate Change Officer Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Transition Home Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £45,718 - £49,764 (Pay Award Pending)
Could you support young people to realise their individual potential and prepare them for their journey towards independence. NOT JUST A PLACE OF WOR Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker (Communication and Interaction Team)

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
We are recruiting a SEND & Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our Specialist SEND & Inclusion Team. We would be particularly intereste Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner