A TWO-year project has launched to raise awareness of air quality issues in Colchester and encourage people to act.

Everyone is invited to view a short video and complete a survey to give Colchester Council’s Air Quality Project team a better understanding of what people know about air quality.

The survey also looks at how people could be encouraged to make changes in their habits – like switching car engines off whilst stationary, which can cut pollution by up to 30 per cent.

Martin Goss, councillor responsible for waste, environment and transportation, said: “It was great to see Colchester was ranked as one of the most climate-friendly areas in England and Wales, in the recent Friends of the Earth league table.

"However, the environment remains our number-one priority and it’s important we continue our work to improve our air quality in Colchester, especially to lower emissions in our most polluted streets.

“This survey is just the start and we’ve already had lots of interest from residents who have a real appetite for change.

"The project team will also be visiting lots of groups over the coming months, talking to people face to face.

"I urge everyone to fill in the survey and help us create a Better Colchester.”

The survey can be completed by visiting colchester.gov.uk/cleanair.

A short video can be seen on the council’s Twitter and Facebook channels.

To contact the Air Quality Project team email cleanair@colchester.gov.uk.