Ways of improving how Neath Port Talbot Council can communicate better with residents about air quality is being put under the microscope.
Neath Port Talbot Council, as a partner on the local service board, is working hard with local communities to tackle air quality challenges.
Much is being done behind the scenes by a team of people from the Council, Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency Wales, the Health Board and Public Health Wales.
Regular meetings take place where air quality monitoring ranks high on the agenda.
The team held a community event last year which residents and businesses attended. The aim was to raise awareness about what organisations are involved in tackling air quality in Neath Port Talbot and what exactly is being planned to further improve air quality across the county borough.
“Many people there raised the issue about not enough information being available and where to find it,” said Head of Planning Services, Geoff White.
“Things like what is monitored and where, shown in a way that is better explained and easier to understand.
“People also wanted to know what they could do to help and called for more reader friendly information on the Council’s website.
“The outcome of the event was extremely positive and agreement was reached that everyone would work together to make sure that the information supplied is what residents want to know.”
To achieve this, two workshops have been held by the Council. One with residents and another with students, focussing on the best way to display information on the Council’s website.
Students from local comprehensive schools drew up designs and suggested themes for the new pages.
“Feedback from both groups has been very good with everyone finding the sessions very useful,” added Mr White.
Shea Jones from Dyffryn Comprehensive School said, “I really enjoyed the workshop and mixing with the other schools. I also learnt some things we can do to help improve air quality.”
