Council raises awareness during Clean Air Day

Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution campaign and the council was proud to once again support the annual awareness day on Thursday 19 June.

The World Health Organization and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health. To support the annual campaign, The Trinity Active Travel Hub hosted a Clean Air Day pop-up event outside the Rivergate Shopping Centre on Thursday 19 June.

With a series of drop-in activities and sessions, the event saw various partners join forces with council’s Active Travel, STEM and Sustainability teams alongside Dr Bike, KA: Leisure and Home Energy Scotland.

Well attended, the sun shone as visitors had the chance to find out about how they could be more sustainable, make their own Clean Air Day pledges and have a chance to win prizes including free gym memberships and travel cards.

The bike stall was particularly popular with Kilwinning resident Ena sharing:

“I’m 73 years old and cycled to Irvine from Kilwinning on Clean Air Day for the first time on my own! I already enjoy doing social bike rides with the Active Travel team and so wanted to come and show my support for the Clean Air Day event. They have really helped me to build my confidence when cycling and I’m also now doing The Discovery Award too as I want to keep active in my community. The Dr Bike stall looked over my bike and registered it with security bike marking. I feel ready now for the summer months to do more solo cycling in North Ayrshire.”

KA:Leisure had on-site health checks aboard the Activator Bus and information on personal travel plans and active and sustainable travel was also provided by the Trinity Active Travel team.

The STEM and Sustainability teams shared awareness on tackling climate change providing practical tips for being more eco-conscious.

Over at Home Energy Scotland, the team shared information at their stall on how to keep homes warmer and reducing energy bills. They also had LED bulb and insulation tape freebies and an on-site pedal-powered smoothie bike for everyone to have a go.

Other guests included Helen Mansbridge, Scottish Government Lead for Environment Protection who was impressed by the support and partnership working in North Ayrshire for residents who want to be more sustainable and make the most of the active travel routes in our surroundings.

Councillor Gurney added:

“Thank you to everyone who stopped by the recent drop-in event to pledge their support for Clean Air Day and take part in the activities.

“We are striving to become a net-zero local authority by 2030 and the Clean Air Day event is just one example of the vital work happening to reinforce the practical and vital changes in behaviours needed now and in the future in order for us to collectively build a better and greener North Ayrshire for all.”