SANDWELL Council is backing the national ‘Clean Air Day’ campaign – which is taking place today – to reduce pollution across the country.

The move follows recent shocking statistics which found people in the borough are more likely to die from air pollution than anywhere else in the West Midlands.

Chief executive Jan Britton has pledged his support for car-sharing on Clean Air Day and is also highlighting the work being done in the borough to improve the quality of air.

He said: “Car sharing not only helps to reduce the number of cars on the road and therefore the amount of harmful exhaust emissions, but it can be useful for helping people to get to and from work at times when public transport doesn’t run very often, or at all.”

Clean Air Day will also see local schools, hospitals, workplaces and communities across the UK run events and inspire people to act for their own health and the health of local children.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “Everybody can have a positive impact on air quality.

“There is so much good work that is going on in this area including: travel management plans at schools and workplaces, the retro-fit of bus engines to Euro 6 standard, many of which serve routes in Sandwell, the roll-out of the West Midlands cycle hire scheme later this year.

“There are also canal tow paths being resurfaced with tarmac and regular bus services reviews by a team comprising bus operators, Transport for West Midlands and Sandwell Council.

“However there is still so much we can do to encourage residents to reduce air pollution, and limit its impact on their health and that of others.”

Air pollution causes illnesses such as heart disease and worsens illnesses such as asthma, and is also associated with dementia.

For more information on how to get involved in Clean Air Day visit www.cleanairday.org.uk.