Forum Topic

Horn Lane Pollution @ RED SEVEN - Joint Highest in London.

The next lowest location is an Orange Five, with the REST of London indicating only Green Two's or One's !WHAT on earth is going on in Horn Lane Industrial Estate? !!!!!This map displays the latest air pollution index values recorded on:Tuesday 16 October 2012, 13:00 - 14:00 BST http://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx

Rosco White ● 5083d152 Comments

Where are these reading taken? From the high figure I suggest it could be at the A40 junction.You have 6 lanes of traffic waiting at the lights with engines running.

John McNamara ● 5083d

Hanger Lane Gyratory and the Western Avenue each have monitoring stations and both experience far higher traffic volumes, and yet both are consistently lower than the Horn Lane station, which is located on the grass verge outside Jallas Pharmacy in the Parade, next to Gowing & Pursey Waste Transfer.

Rosco White ● 5083d

Thanks for more details.I walk the dog along there on my way to North Acton Playingfield.Very worrying!

John McNamara ● 5083d

Another salient, and conclusive (?) factor:-The unacceptably high Horn Lane readings are always when the wind is blowing FROM the Horn Lane Industrial Estate (SW/SSW) ON to Horn Lane & the monitoring station, and not, as you might expect, when the wind is blowing from the busy A40/Horn Lane junction (NE/NNE) on to the monitor - proof positive?!!Locals reading this, PLEASE lobby and complain to:-Your Ward Councilors http://www.ealing.gov.uk/councillors/wardCouncil - Complaintshttp://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/100004/council_and_democracy/516/complaintsThe Environment Agency http://www.environment-agency.gov.ukIncident Hotline Telephone: 0800 807060 (FREE, 24 hour service - "you should not use e-mail to report an incident, as this could delay our response".)

Rosco White ● 5083d

Joint Highest in London ( along with Brent - Neasden Lane)http://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx?SiteCode=EA8&SiteName=Ealing%20-%20Horn%20Lane

Rosco White ● 5082d

and when you smell the biscuits baking in the Poets Corner area you know that all this pollution has blown towards you!!

Dee Cook ● 5082d

Very worrying.  Thanks for pointing this out and being on top of things.Let us know what you find walking your dog, please!

Angela White ● 5082d

The council don't give a damn, glue strips on the road are ineffective, don't see our councillors doing anything that could be in anyway constructive.Complain to the council, and all the can ask you is, are your windows covered in dust, very helpful I don't think.This matter needs to be resolved, much sooner, than later.If we call those that be, a bunch of PLEBS, would we get a result, like sort it out, or will they take um-bridge?

Nicola Howard ● 5082d

Well, they represent us, so keep at it.  Have you emailed them, Nicola?I've just emailed them to ask for information and for action/investigation.  I'm very concerned.We do find our car covered in red dust.Has anyone ever been down there, officially?  I'm all for going down with the right people alongside us.

Angela White ● 5082d

For what use our councillors are, the mind boggles.  We need someone like Vlod back, at least he would fight our corner.Has anyone ever been down there, officially?  I'm all for going down with the right people alongside us.I would join you.  I'm fed up with having to reach for the inhalers.  As soon as we get to Orange/Red 6, I can feel the effects.  A couple of weeks ago, we had three Red 7s within five days, and last week we had a Red 8.  Not good.

Nicola Howard ● 5082d

Rosco, is there anything else we can do?

Angela White ● 5082d

Yep, COMPLAIN - LOUD and LONG ................... !It’s VITAL for individuals to get a bit active and let the Authorities know, in no uncertain terms, that the continuing Horn Lane Pollution is completely unacceptable and to demand strong, immediate, remedial action - all Authorities are the same, they just don’t take Pollution seriously until LOADS of people Complain, regularly and relentlessly.When Complaining it is essential to obtain a REFERENCE NUMBER for your Complaint – no Reference Number given, no Complaint will probably be officially lodged/registered, and there is a suspicion that this may be deliberate to keep Complaints numbers down as per their "official records".The Council & Environment Agency websites for Complaining have been given in a previous posting in this thread and the more locals who also join SHLAP (Stop Horn Lane Pollution) the better. It costs nothing to be in SHLAP and there are a number of SHLAP Members diligently beavering away in the background regarding the Horn Lane Pollution issues.You need to open a Yahoo account if you don’t have one already and can join SHLAP at:-http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StopHornLanePollution/Once joined, cajole your neighbours to join and then in turn those neighbours should cajole their neighbours to join and so on, thus providing SHLAP with more “clout” to ensure eradication of this Pollution menace once and for all.Those who have additional time and inclination might like to email/write to Planning Policy, Ealing Council, regarding the Public Consultation on the LB Ealing’s Local Plan (or Local Development Framework), pointing out that it is unacceptable for this Industrial Estate to continue polluting and that the entire Estate needs to be transformed into something pleasant & non-polluting, as befits a “flagship” CrossRail Station, the last one before Central London.Complaints could also be lodged with Angie Bray, our local MP.(PS - I'm aware you have joind SHLAP Angela!)

Rosco White ● 5081d

I have emailed our Councillors, Ealing Council and Angie Bray today.  I'm disturbed that you've campaigned for so long but nothing has been done.  Why?  I admire your determination, Rosco.

Angela White ● 5081d

Excellent effort, thank you Angela, helps enormously.Some headway has been made via several meetings with both the Environment Agency and Ealing Council, however SHLAP too is mystified as to why The Authorities are so gutless, when the simple act of actually levying HEAVY FINES on the perpetrators would soon stop the pollution pretty quick!Note that the wind tonight is SSE, blowing ON to the Estate from Horn Lane, so the pollution readings are very low - funny that, eh?!!

Rosco White ● 5081d

Rosco how localised is this pollution? ie, do these high readings drop off significantly at the next nearest monitoring stations from the one/s you are taking your readings from?  Maybe all nearest sensitive receivers should be flyered so they can complain too.What do you personally think causes the high readings - Dust from vehicular access or from specific industrial activity?  I used to do a lot of air quality monitoring in Hong Kong for TSPs (Total Suspended Particulates) what do these UK air monitoring stations actually measure?

Rupert Picken ● 5081d

Hi Rosco.  I've had a reply from Patricia Walker Cllr and Ealing Council, which I've forwarded to you, as well as Angie Bray, MP.  I'm now very confused.....

Angela White ● 5081d

AngelaCould you put the response on the forum.

Nicola Howard ● 5080d

Patricia Walker, Cllr, replied that she had contacted Ealing Council who would be emailing me, which they did.  I also contacted Angie Bray, who was very helpful and seems to be on the case but still nothing is being done.Here is the reply from Ealing Council, which confuses me due to the inaction that is clearly going on.  Is there a problem or isn't there?  Clearly there is, as Angie Bray agrees.  Thank-you for your e-mail about air pollution in Horn Lane, which has been forwarded to me by Cllr Dr Patricia Walker. The Council has been monitoring pollution in Horn Lane since 2005.  At that time there was a very severe problem with dust associated with some of the Acton Goods Yard industrial activities.  Through a combination of enforcement action taken by the Council and by the Environment Agency (EA) there has been a substantial reduction in the amount of dust pollution being caused by these operations.  (Some background information is provided in the Briefing Note attached, prepared for the East Acton Ward Forum in June this year.)  At present there remain dust control issues with some of the companies involved and the Council and the EA are continuing to work with them to make the further improvements that are needed. The air pollution levels that I believe have caused you alarm recently have been the predicted fine particle (PM10) Daily Air Quality Index levels as they are provided on the EalingAir and London Air Quality Network websites.  The video below describes the purpose of these new daily indices, that were introduced by Defra at the beginning of 2012. http://www.londonair.org.uk/LondonAir/Guide/Soundslides/DailyAirQualityIndex/DailyAirQualityIndexVideo.aspx These predictions work well in most instances, but where the monitoring station is located close to an industrial site the predictions are less reliable and there is a tendency for the forecast level to over-predict the pollutant level that will prevail during the course of the day.  The actual level for a given 24-hour period is available on the website on the next day when the daily average for the previous 24 hours can be calculated.  Kings College London, who host the EalingAir and London Air Quality Network websites, gave the following information on this problem earlier in the year:-“Having looked at the predictive performance of the DAQI ‘triggers’ since the start of the year it is apparent that the erratic nature of local sources at industrial sites, including near waste transfer stations, is at times causing an over prediction of daily levels. This issue with erratic sources was identified during the original work by King’s for COMEAP, and the industrial sites were excluded from the original 270,000 site days used to calculate the PM10 triggers. Work is ongoing to identify an enhanced reporting method to reflect the site specific PM10 at these sites.”Because of the unpredictable nature of industrial emissions as compared, for example, with road traffic emissions, the forecast daily air quality index you will find for PM10 at the Horn Lane monitoring station is, on occasions, rather higher than it ought to be and we can find that ‘High’ readings are predicted that do not in fact materialise.  Having said this, my colleagues and I are very well aware that levels are indeed still too high and that there needs to be an on-going effort to secure further improvements. I trust that the above information goes some way towards responding to your concerns, but you are welcome to contact me directly on the number below if you wish to discuss any matter further. Yours sincerely, John Freeman Dr John FreemanTeam Leader, Pollution Technical Team Regulatory ServicesLondon Borough of Ealing

Angela White ● 5080d

It's a white wash.If the highest level is recorded, how can it be predicted? Are the council saying that the results are inaccurate at the recording station?  How is it that traffic pollutants such as exhaust fumes seem to be a main cause?  Hanger Lane records a level 2 with the high volume of traffic, while Horn Lane records a level 7 even when the traffic flow is moderate.  Something stinks and, it's about time the council put their hands up and admitted their failures to the residents.Will Ealing council continue to sweep this issue under the carpet, in the hope that it goes away, or will they get off their fat backsides and do something constructive, like get it sorted?  I think we know the answer, so we will continue to suffer and, develop respiratory diseases far into the future.I accuse Ealing council of enforced euthanasia, by way of failure to deal with the situation and subjecting people to premature death due to high levels of pollution. (I don't care if that's hard and the council don't like it.)  It has been reported in the past that Horn Lane is one of the most polluted roads in the country.  A council official told me that the problem is only from Acton Main Line to the A40.  It was denied that the wind/breeze does not spread the PM 10s to and around surrounding roads.I had a chat with a doctor a couple of months ago, who confirmed that PM 10 pollutants are hazardous to those with respiratory disease and, can also be a serious cause of causing respiratory problems in the future.  The irritation caused can also cause the vomiting of blood. That is frightening, as the first thing you think of, is, cancer.Terrified.

Nicola Howard ● 5080d

Everyone of us, especially those with small children with their tiny lungs, should be worried.  We should be on the case.  Let's do that.  What have we tried and what can we do?Ealing Council, I hope you're reading this.  We intend to get it sorted.

Angela White ● 5080d

A white wash indeed. Bring back Vlod please.  The Council's Environmental Health Director should be asked to attend all the local Forum meetings to explain what is and what is not happening.PM10's are very small, when breathed into the lungs they cannot cope with them as they are so small .... result???  Check out the web, not nice.The monitoring station is to the north of the site.  Suggestion.One monitoring site to be placed at the junction further north to measure vehicle pollution.  The other actually inside the problem site in order to measure what pollutants they are releasing.This is something all the local residents associations need to have a JOINT view on.  With all the ideas floating around about development of Acton Main Line Station/cross rail, and the need for them to be environmentally friendly, this could be the time to rid us of these 'industrial' sites which really should not be at this location blowing all their pollutants locally and down to Poets Corner. (smell the biscuits)Councillor Abdullah Gulaid is one of the Acton Central Councillors.  He lives in St. Dunstans Avenue I believe, so he too may be effected by the pollution blowing over his home and family.  Please note he is Chairman of the Health and Adult Social Services Standing Scrutiny Panel - can I suggest that adds this problem to his next agenda?Ward: Acton CentralParty: LabourEmail: abdullah.gulaid@ealing.gov.ukTel: (020) 8825 5173All complaints to be copied into him please.c/o Labour Group Members' Room, Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, London, W5 2BY Surgery:1st Sunday of every month: New surgery details will be forthcoming. In the meantime, contact Cllr Daniel Crawford on 020 8992 9353 or by email daniel.crawford@ealing.gov.uk; 2nd Saturday of the month, 11am-12noon, Friary Park Community Centre, Joseph Avenue, Acton, W3 6NL (except August); 1st Saturday of the month, 11am-12noon, Acton Village Gardening Association, The Pavillion, Alwyn Gardens, London, W3 (except August). The Acton Labour Councillors will take turns to attend a surgery every Saturday, 11am–12noon, Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, Acton, W3. Cabinet: N/ACommittee membership:Overview and Scrutiny Committee; Health and Adult Social Services Standing Scrutiny Panel (Chair); Planning Committee; Corporate Parent Committee; Fostering Panel; Mental Health Champions.Outside Bodies: Acton (Middlesex) Charities; Action Acton Limited; Ealing Racial Equality Council; Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for North West London; Pocklington Apprenticeship Trust.

Dee Cook ● 5080d

Posted in another thread, the Western Avenue monitoring station reading red 6 at just after 10pm last night for PM10 readings whilst Horn Lane reading was a green 1!The Western Avenue monitoring station is just before the junction with Horn Lane and within a 5 minute walk for the Horn Lane monitoring station.Any one know if there was anything going on the surrounding area last night?

Siobhan Martin ● 5080d

The Horn Lane readings are always low when the wind blows From the monitor ON to the Horn Lane Industrial Estate, and shoots up when blowing From the Estate ON to the monitor - proof of where the filth originates IMHO.No idea what happened on Western Avenue.

Rosco White ● 5080d

Horn Ln site, Friday 19 October 2012, 17:00 - 18:00 BST, is recording NO INDEX.  What does this mean, or has the rain kept the pollutants down?

Nicola Howard ● 5079d

As has been mentioned elsewhere Rupert, the Horn Lane readings are locally caused and are consistently higher than both Hanger Lane and Western Avenue (!)If there was a wider cause all three stations should show similar levels.SHLAP believes that the PM10 pollution is caused by specific, identifiable sources within the Horn Lane Industrial Estate and that the filthy air is now exacerbated by the huge increase of lorry traffic using the Estate, in no small part also due to the massive new Hansons Cement Plant - which was built without ANY Planning Permission, and STILL has no Planning permission.Concerned residents are urged to check regularly & keep informed on this serious issue (& complain!).PM10 Particles and Nitrogen Dioxide levels:-http://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx?SiteCode=EA8&SiteName=Ealing%20-%20Horn%20Lane

Rosco White ● 5079d

the massive new Hansons Cement Plant - which was built without ANY Planning Permission, and STILL has no Planning permission.Is this legal and, are the council turning their customary BLIND EYE?

Nicola Howard ● 5079d

Was the Hansons plant the one you mentioned several months ago Rosco, where they rebuilt after a long time?  I complained about that to the council but have heard nothing since.Yes I've been looking further at all the different pollution criteria at various different stations, to see what sort of patterns there are.Although the Horn Lane station has these very high levels at specific times I guess one of peaks like this are not legislated against.  In Hong Kong 24hour TSP levels where what the government assessed.Do you know how the legislation works here?  Time periods, threshold levels, etc?

Rupert Picken ● 5078d

No planning permission.  "Planning permission dept" is clearly a misnomer at Ealing Council.    No planning permission and nothing has been done?  Hello.Who is in charge of planning there?  Let them answer to us.Who has joined SHLAP so far?  What about emailing Angie Bray and our Acton Central Councillors?  To my mind this is a massive problem for everyone of us.  It's a bigger issue than any other on this forum, with drugs a close second.

Angela White ● 5078d

You say red dust, has anyone looked at it through a microscope? Would it be dust from the Redland roof tile distribution centre in the goods yard?

Chris Bell ● 5078d

Gosh, hadn't thought of doing that.  Next time it happens, I will ask hubby to collect some, see what we can do.

Angela White ● 5078d

If anyone can decipher this, PM 10 results for Horn Ln, since the beginning of October.EA8,PM10,01/10/2012 00:00,22.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,02/10/2012 00:00,28.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,03/10/2012 00:00,32.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,04/10/2012 00:00,52.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,05/10/2012 00:00,40.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,06/10/2012 00:00,20.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,07/10/2012 00:00,29.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,08/10/2012 00:00,23.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,09/10/2012 00:00,29.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,10/10/2012 00:00,40.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,11/10/2012 00:00,30.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,12/10/2012 00:00,50.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,13/10/2012 00:00,29.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,14/10/2012 00:00,17.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,15/10/2012 00:00,45.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,16/10/2012 00:00,51.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,17/10/2012 00:00,28.0,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,18/10/2012 00:00,,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,PEA8,PM10,19/10/2012 00:00,,ug m-3 reference equiv by VCM,P

Nicola Howard ● 5078d

Nicola Howard ● 5078d

Thanks for this, Nicola.  The graph really speaks for itself.  It's almost daily, that it peaks, am I correct?  Not sure what the other stats mean.  Perhaps Rosco can explain?

Angela White ● 5078d

If no-one seems to be taking action on our behalf, what about contacting Boris Johnson?  Would he be able to intervene?  I've met him in my work capacity and thought he was terrific.  Anyone?

Angela White ● 5078d

Have sent you an e-mail

Nicola Howard ● 5078d

When I had to run a small cable from the roof space of a listed building near Hammersmith Broadway, as close as possible to a wall below, I marked a safe area clear of beams with a magnet then searched for the magnet using a compass. When I retrieved the magnet it was covered in iron filings. I decided the most likely source was vehicle brakes, so the rest of the dust was probably asbestos.

Chris Bell ● 5078d

For the third day running, the Horn Ln monitoring site is giving this message.No health advice information is available as the site currently has no data or is closed.Has the pressure go to the council, at last, or is there something more sinister?

Nicola Howard ● 5078d

Use the London Air site directly, very high for October, currently the EU max is 50ug/m3, this is interim, the target is 25ug/m3 which is a level some EU countries already regard as a maximum. Long term there is also a requirement to measure PM5 which are not measured in the UK.http://www.londonair.org.uk/london/asp/advgraphssiteplot.asp?CBXSpecies4=PM10m&day1=1&month1=oct&year1=2011&day2=22&month2=oct&year2=2012&period=hourly&graphtype=Image&Submit=plot+the+graph&site=EA8&res=6

Mark Aston ● 5077d

INFO CONCERNING THE CHURCHFIELD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING TO BE HELD ON 21 NOVEMBER - CHAIR SARA'It's an AGM - for members only - at 1930refreshments 1945  Meeting proper 2015  Done by 2130At St Marys Church Hall on the Mount on November 21st. Julian Bell will speak for a short while and then take questions. I don't think any of these will be a surprise.'My understanding is that non-members can attend at the end of the meeting.  Yes/No Sara?Cllr. Bell is Leader of the Council (the man who liaises closely with the Politicians) and sits on the following: Acton Town Centre and Business Task GroupPark Royal PartnershipBoth which are relevant to the problem site in Horn Lane as the companies concerned no doubt have representation on both Groups.

Dee Cook ● 5077d

You are a marvel, Dee.  How interesting.  Isn't this a conflict of interest?

Angela White ● 5077d

Hansons Cement arrogantly built this massive new plant without applying for any planning permission because they reasoned it was "Lawful Development." (?!)Now, why Hansons felt obliged to apply for proper planning permission previously in 2005 (P/2005/2580  -  11/7/05) but not this time around, is all a bit suspect, IMHO.Ealing Planning has, rightly, supported the residents so far and refused the Certificate for Lawful Development and have insisted that Hansons must apply for full Planning Permission:-PP/2012/1741 08/05/2012 305 HORN LANE ACTON W3 0BP Retention of concrete batching plant (Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use)                                                Planning Permission RequiredI have been trying to get an update from Ealing Planning on the "Status" of Hansons application for PP, but no reply to my email.Perhaps one of you fine denizens out there might have better luck?

Rosco White ● 5077d

This is a repeat of my post further up the thread (in case it gets lost in the list of comments) answering Nicola's query:-Hansons Cement arrogantly built this massive new plant without applying for any planning permission because they reasoned it was "Lawful Development." (?!)Now, why Hansons felt obliged to apply for proper planning permission previously in 2005 (P/2005/2580  -  11/7/05) but not this time around, is all a bit suspect, IMHO.Ealing Planning has, rightly, supported the residents so far and refused the Certificate for Lawful Development and have insisted that Hansons must apply for full Planning Permission:-PP/2012/1741 08/05/2012 305 HORN LANE ACTON W3 0BP Retention of concrete batching plant (Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use)                                                Planning Permission RequiredI have been trying to get an update from Ealing Planning on the "Status" of Hansons application for PP, but no reply to my email.Perhaps one of you fine denizens out there might have better luck?

Rosco White ● 5077d

I've made enquiries today, Rosco, so will let you know.

Angela White ● 5077d

RoscoWill you be attending the CCA Meeting (open part) in November?  If I'm allowed to pursue the pollution issue Re: CCA Meeting string, I could do with some support and put Cllr Bell in a NO U-TURN position. It would seem that there could be a conflict of interest Re: Cllr Bell and these industrial sites. Hansons is certainly a hot potato and, I think we should have answers.  I would also like to see who on planning is consenting to these rather suspicious activities. Name and shame!

Nicola Howard ● 5077d

There was a previous email about red dust, but I would expect grey or white from concrete.

Chris Bell ● 5076d

I'm not particularly intellectually gifted nor informed, however if I can make the CCA Meeting on the 21st I will Nicola.It seems that according to the rules, which is fine by me, that as a non-Member I can only come in at the tail end of the meeting?Cllr Bell lives within the "filth veil" of the Horn Lane pollution,  I've always been intrigued by his complete absence of engagement on the issue.

Rosco White ● 5076d

I will endeavour to be there after our PTA meeting.I can't find much in the way of information about the Acton Town Centre and Business Task Group but I found a website re the Park Royal Partnership.  When you say Julian Bell sits on both, what does that mean?  I sit on a bus but that doesn't mean I have any influence at all on the bus!  What kind of sitting are we talking about?  Surely this is a conflict of interest?

Angela White ● 5076d

The more that attend, the better.  Less room for manoeuvre by those celestial beings that think they can ruin our lives.  As I understand it, non members get their chance from 8:15 to have a go at Julian.

Nicola Howard ● 5076d

Poor old Julian!!  Not sure I want to "have a go" at him!  I would like answers though!

Angela White ● 5076d

As of 3PM today, using the Kings College site, PM 10 levels are at a maximum of BLUE 3 to GREEN 2.Are our protests working or, is it all in the water?  There again, the damp weather could have something to do with it.CCA timetableAGM 1930 - members onlyrefreshments 1945Open session 2015finish 2130

Nicola Howard ● 5076d

And if, allegedly, the main source is the waste transfer station, the wind direction matters a great deal. An east wind will blow from the sensor to the site.......

Tim Henderson ● 5075d

The Acton Main Line goods yard and sidings is a very large area. I would not like to accuse just one of the facilities in the area without knowing the results of tests in different locations throughout the area and being fairly sure of the facts.

Chris Bell ● 5075d

The Faber Maunsell and King's College reports were quite clear when I looked at them - but things may have changed since (and indeed most of the time things have been better this year).I wonder if the Environment Agency is getting the regular monthly reports it should be receiving from the plant - and if it has had any emergency notifications of plant shutdown when the high level trigger has been reached......

Tim Henderson ● 5075d

Posters seem to have ignored the response to Angela (early in the thread) from the EBC officer which explained that research had shown that sensors adjacent to industrial sites like Horn Lane gave erratic/inaccurate readings. I am not belittling concern about pollution on Horn Lane but do believe that you should respect the 'science' As for Cllr Bell's membership of local bodies like Park Royal eeer, that's what Cllrs do, they represent! No question about conflict of interest. If you are concerned about air pollution take a look at what Boris has (not) done since being elected. I will try and find a link........

Iain Muir ● 5075d

From Angie Bray's speech/debatewww.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2010-12-15a.291.0 -That ease of access makes it obvious why Horn lane was chosen to house an industrial site in the first place. It has first-rate rail links and is right on the doorstep of the Park Royal estate. The A40 is to the north and the Uxbridge road is to the south. That made sense in the past, when Horn lane was home to factories, rather than flats and houses as it is now. It must seem odd to those who work on the site that they drive their lorries, unload their skips and transfer their waste right in the heart of a residential community. To local residents, it is ridiculous that their quality of life is being impaired by that throwback, which produces literally sky-high levels of pollution.Incidentally, although we are looking at air pollution today, the noise pollution from some of those units is also intolerable. The beeping of lorries backing up to empty their loads, the clanking of skips being unloaded and reloaded, and the general din of deafening noise produced by large vehicles moving back and forth in a confined space is also pretty awful for residents. There is no doubt that a more modern and enclosed site would limit both air and noise pollution and increase efficiency. Those units are way behind their times, another reason why they are so unsuitable for the area they remain in.However, it is the high levels of small, carcinogenic PMIO particles that produce the really serious health problems. They are produced when the units transfer aggregates and building materials from rail to road and engage in their waste-transfer activities. PMIO particles are proven to have a range of effects on health, including effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, asthma and mortality. As the evidence that I will share shows, PMIO levels originating from the Horn lane site have consistently overshot the maximum permitted from any one location. That that is allowed to continue in a heavily populated residential area is just not on.Monitoring of pollution levels at the Horn lane site is already in place. The Environment Agency is now comparing readings from all three of the monitoring devices at the site in the hope that the sources of the PMIO can be more precisely located. However, residents who complain about the unacceptably high levels of pollution have for years heard the familiar refrain from the Environment Agency that it is monitoring pollution from the site and will take action if the industrial units exceed the limits agreed under their operating licenses. Indeed the monitoring equipment takes readings every 15 minutes, which allows pollution patterns to be identified. The readings show that both measures for pollution levels-the daily and annual average readings-far exceed the maximum levels permitted.

Nicola Howard ● 5075d

Iain - another chance to pop at the opposition.  My immediate concern is my local environment.  At this moment in time I'm not concerned about other parts of London or what Boris hasn't done, yet.  All this mud throwing at other parties isn't respectful to concerned residents who've battled long and hard to improve their area.Back to our Acton issue.  I do respect most science, Iain, but this seems like a white wash to me, no science.  I respect my health much more.  Why are these monitors erratic near industrial sites?  'Tis obvious, is it not?  Am I missing something?  Is Angie Bray missing something?

Angela White ● 5075d

Iain, see sense and join the Tories.Maybe you can explain why the Ealing Air Quality site gives one reading, while Kings gives another.  Shouldn't they work in unison?  However, I get text messages from the University of Brighton, warning of moderate and high pollution levels in the area. So which should I believe?

Nicola Howard ● 5075d

P.S.Acton Main Line to monitor:Ealing Green 1Kings Green 3Time 00:40 24/10/12Confusing to say the least.

Nicola Howard ● 5075d

I would expect the readings to vary with the wind strength and direction, weather conditions (dry, damp, light or heavy rain), and disturbance of whatever is causing the problem. This could depend on whatever is passed through waste transfer and also movement of other materials that are naturally dusty within the whole area. As far as I know dusty materials such as ballast carried by train are held in covered wagons until they are unloaded, but I believe that there is open local storage and distribution which would require them to be moved around the site.

Chris Bell ● 5075d

"emergency notifications of plant shutdown when the high level trigger has been reached......"It seems that the site in question has NEVER shut down when pollution readings trigger the warning alarm, something which is supposed to happen and is very clearly stipulated in the Environment Agency Licence for the site.With such piss poor lax enforcement we will continue to suffer this pollution.

Rosco White ● 5075d

Very differing messages we're getting, aren't we.  On one hand there are people saying "respect science" and generally there's nothing to worry about due to some kind of erratic, untrustworthy machine readings and then, on the other hand, we have concerned residents, policies of shut-downs when breaches to the air conditions are made and levels that are violating EU rules. 

Angela White ● 5075d

There appears to be a distinct lack of transparency which causes concern and lack of trust.Has SHLAP asked for / obtained copies from the Environment Agency of recent monthly reports/ notifications of alarm events ?If they don't exist or if there is evidence that the conditions imposed as part of the regulatory control are breached, then I can't see why the EA shouldn't be pilloried  for lack of enforcement.

Tim Henderson ● 5075d

If you feel that you are not able to trust the local authorities and need to persue it further then I suppose you could submit freedom of information requests to local, national, and EU representatives.

Chris Bell ● 5075d

13:06 hrs Already we are up to ORANGE 6 with widespread ORANGE 5 in surrounding area.  Time the council and the EA put a stop this misery that we are subjected to.  Please  EC and EA deal with it ASAP, no excuses and, stop taking the P***.These constant levels of PM 10s are worse than someone smoking 20 Capstan Full Strength.Just hope that SHLAP members attend the CCA meeting, so that we can get the answers, that are so desperately needed.

Nicola Howard ● 5075d

From Kings.  What further proof do we need, there is a level Red 7

Nicola Howard ● 5075d

That is a very interesting map, I can just make out Friary Road, York Road, and A4000, with level 4 over the waste transfer area but level 7 over The Leamington pub, the Acton Main Line ticket office, and the bridge. There could be some pollution from traffic approaching the traffic lights and diesel powered trains below. I have often seen large diesel goods trains waiting there.

Chris Bell ● 5074d

Horn Lane pollution readings are currently lowish and the wind direction is North Easterly, blowing in from the Western Avenue.The wind is set to change by around Sunday to South Westerly, when it will be blowing in the opposite direction, from the Estate and on to the monitor.Interested residents might like to check the readings on Sunday as to whether or not the pollution levels shoot up.And then come to their own conclusions.Although Monday would be much more conclusive as there is (supposedly/allegedly) no activity on the Estate on Sundays.

Rosco White ● 5074d

Does the rain affect the monitor?

Angela White ● 5073d

" Does the rain affect the monitor? "It shouldn't do.But rain should dampen down the area and may prevent dust arising. The previous studies also correlated with relative humidity - problems were worse during extended dry periods.As Roscoe says, it will be interesting to see what happens when the wind blows from the west again.

Tim Henderson ● 5073d

Water droplets will grow around anything in humid conditions and are readily seeded by dust particles, they are then less easy to blow around and can stick together to form rain.

Chris Bell ● 5073d

Not heard a dicky-bird back from Julian Bell in reply to my email directly to him asking for his help in this matter.  Yet.Is anyone out there a solicitor who feels strongly about this worrying matter?  We need someone who can represent us legally as we need to push through with this.

Angela White ● 5071d

Pro bona?Just guess we will have to get JB at the CCA meeting.I need to get brain into gear and, format the question, with sub sections, in such a way, that will force the issue.  I don't mind fronting the question, just as long as there is some back-up."NO TO POLLUTION".

Nicola Howard ● 5071d

And that, IMHO, is the way the ratios SHOULD be.

Rosco White ● 5067d

Why do you think this is?

Angela White ● 5067d

Inclement weather?  Or there has been a leak pre CCA and,  someone hopes the question goes away.  Or are the figures being manipulated?I noticed your road was on Monday blue 3, at mid-day dropping to blue 1 by 6pm, that was taken from the Kings College readings.

Nicola Howard ● 5067d

I would allege that the recent/current Horn Lane readings (at Thurs 1 Nov '12, 12:00 - 13:00 - GMT the PM10 reading is now equal 2 with Hanger Lane & Western Avenue) is due to recent/current low polluting activity within the Horn Lane Industrial Estate.The monitoring equipment also seems to be experiencing increasing numbers of failures.

Rosco White ● 5067d

The two highest polluters are a joint 5, whilst bothHanger Lane and Western Avenue are only Green Two.And they both suffer far higher traffic volumes.Take an educated guess where the Horn Lane Filth comes from?Horn Lane @ Orange 4 on Friday 2 November 2012, 12:00 - 13:00 - GMThttp://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx?SiteCode=EA8&SiteName=Ealing%20-%20Horn%20Lane

Rosco White ● 5066d

These are my questions for Julian at the CCA meeting, just to get the ball rolling:(1)  The PM 10 levels on and around Horn Ln, are excessively high.  What are the Council and the EA doing about these levels and, when can we, the residents, expect action to be taken to reduce these levels?.  Sometime in the future is not an answer.(2)  Hansons new facility built/extended without planning permission.  How was this allowed?(3)  If Cllr Bell has any conflicts of interest, would he declare them?I know there is a back -up from another SHLAP member.

Nicola Howard ● 5066d

Both Hanger Lane and Western Avenue still only  Green 2, as is the REST of London.On Friday 2 November 2012, at 15:00 - 16:00 - GMThttp://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx

Rosco White ● 5066d

Still at 5.  Still no word from Julian Bell, Head of our Council and Labour Leader.

Angela White ● 5065d

He's probably to busy advising Labour MPs how to fiddle their expenses.  (Another one has been forced to resign, today.)There again, it could be such a hot potato, he is doing what our councillors are doing, burying their heads in the sand.  Have any of OUR councillors replied to you?

Nicola Howard ● 5065d

Yes, Patricia Walker replied on the subject, as did Angie Bray, MP.  Daniel Crawford usually replies to me re other issues and has been very helpful, I have to say.  As disappointed and miffed that Julian Bell hasn't replied to me regarding this issue, yet, I don't think we can cast aspersions about him re Labour MPs expenses.  We really need to stick to the issue at hand, otherwise we dilute a very important and serious matter, if you don't mind my saying.

Angela White ● 5065d

Just a bit of sarcasm, he is advisor to an MP.  Just a pity he can't advise himself.  PM 10 level still at 5.

Nicola Howard ● 5065d

He's a researcher to an MP, isn't he?  I've been a researcher (something I love to do) and I'd say he probably has all the answers to our questions, given his job, if he's any good at research, of course.He and I have a lot in common....more than he knows probably!

Angela White ● 5065d

councillor, julian bell, ... Name: Julian Bell: Political group: Labour: Employment: Part-time Researcher to Virendra Sharma MPWhen Julian was a councillor for Acton Central, I don't think he cut it.  I just hope that I have got his measure, but it is up to Sara (as chair) if I can get at him re: PM 10s.  Should imagine that Enterprise is definitely going to be on the agenda. Should be a very interesting Q & A., maybe even heated.Rebel with a cause!

Nicola Howard ● 5065d

ulian BellName Julian Bell Political group Labour Employment Part-time Researcher to Virendra Sharma MPSponsorship None Contracts None Land I own two properties in Acton.Licences None Corporate tenancies None Securities NoneOther interests (Membership of Organisations) Pitshanger Manor TrustLondon CouncilsThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsThe Ealing United Anglo Caribbean SocietyThe Labour PartyThe Co-operative PartyGMB Gifts and hospitality None

Nicola Howard ● 5065d

Looking at this, I wonder if he has time to do research.Leader of the Council (Policy Overview Portfolio)Committee membership:Emergency Committee (Chair); Ealing Business Partnership (Chair); Local Development Advisory Committee (Chair); Corporate Parent Committee (Chair); Employment Committee; Chief Officers Panel (Chair); Chief Officers Appointments Panel; Constitutional Review Group (Chair); Council and Trade Union Joint Committee (Chair).Outside Bodies: Acton Town Centre and Business Task Group; Park Royal Partnership; Leaders’ Committee (Leader); Associated Joint Committee (London Councils Grants Committee - deputy); Economic Development Strategic Lead; Greater London Provincial Council (Leader); Culture, Tourism and London 2012 Strategic Lead; Local Government Association – General Assembly; Local Government Association Urban Commission; Local Strategic Partnership Executive;Greater London Enterprise; London Youth Games.

Nicola Howard ● 5065d

Perhaps "advisor" means leaks?

Chris Bell ● 5065d

Do you mean Julileaks?Nikkileaks!4000 people die prematurely every year in the London area due to poor air quality, taking at least eleven years of a lifespan.Source: Ken Livingston.Horn Ln definitely needs cleaning up.  There is no place for a cement plant in a high residential area.

Nicola Howard ● 5065d

Sunday night @ 23:00 level 5, today  @12:00 level 2, what is going on?Tried to speak to a councilor today about the pollution levels and, was completely blanked  (no name mentioned, but, they will probably claim harassment.)

Nicola Howard ● 5063d

It is blatantly obvious that if the Acton Central & East Acton Ward Councillors cared a jot we would not have to constantly badger them for ongoing affirmative action.They would (& should) be zealously on the case with this serious long term pollution problem, providing us with unsolicited regular reports of their progress in what they are doing to control the filth.We should not have to chase constantly & relentlessly - what are we paying our Council Tax for?!

Rosco White ● 5063d

It's all very biz tsar.  It was the East Acton prima donna who blanked me, no surprise there.  These councillors say one thing and, then either cant be bothered or, do something different.  It's about time they did what they were elected for, to serve the the person and the Ward, not their own self inflated egos. What are we paying our Council Tax for?!Beats me!

Nicola Howard ● 5062d

Even Hanger Lane and Western Avenue are only Green 2 & 3 respectively!And the rest of London is just Green 2s & 3sAt Wednesday 7 November 2012, 15:00 - 16:00 GMTSEE:  http://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx

Rosco White ● 5061d

What IS going on?  This is worrying.

Angela White ● 5061d

ALL the rest of London still only Green 2s & 3sWednesday 7 November 2012, 21:00 - 22:00 GMThttp://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx

Rosco White ● 5060d

Does this mean the industrial estate there is manned and working at night and at weekends too?

Angela White ● 5060d

Not sure - there's Crossrail preparation work going on at all hours, or it could just be that the filth from the standard day's output is simply lingering about, or ..................... ???

Rosco White ● 5060d

Have e-mailed Angie. This has gone beyond a joke.  I hope that Cllr Bell is seriously put on the spot and, hopefully shamed into action.  I'm not going to pull any punches at the CCA meeting.

Nicola Howard ● 5060d

The ENTIRE rest of London is only "Green" 1s & 2s,whilst Horn Lane is ORANGE 5 along with one other site.Hanger Lane & western Avenue both only "Green" 2Thursday 8 November 2012, 16:00 - 17:00 GMThttp://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx

Rosco White ● 5060d

It all makes me wonder whether the equipment is faulty

Chris Bell ● 5059d

That will be their get-out reason!  Let's hope it is faulty.  With the state of the lorries coming and going and the filth they leave in their trail, I doubt it.

Angela White ● 5059d

The monitor's not faulty. It is regularly checked, calibrated, etc and if the "Faulty" card could be played, it would have been, looooooong ago.

Rosco White ● 5059d

The level won't drop until midnight, or 1am when it records 2 or 3.  Talk about poor air quality around the area.  If the industrial site is closed, why does it take many hours for the pollutants to clear.  Also, if the alarm sounds, does the site close until the levels drop, or do they CARRY ON REGARDLESS, flouting the rules?  They probably wouldn't stop, as it would mean loss of income.Does anyone know if the waste transfer is carried out in a shed or, if it is done in the open?PM 10 level still at orange 5.

Nicola Howard ● 5059d

All good questions, Nicola.  Does Rosco know?

Angela White ● 5059d

All that require answers.Am thinking of doing a clandestine sneaky around the site.

Nicola Howard ● 5059d

Remember to take your camera!

Angela White ● 5059d

Main pro, but a bit obvious with a long white lens, and one concealed, in the palm of the hand, on video mode, with sound on.  I guess that makes me a sneaky...I'll claim to be doing a thesis on the Industrial Revolution, or, a feasibility study, that is, if things go wrong.A picture speaks a thousand words, this time I'll settle for two thousand.

Nicola Howard ● 5059d

If it is regularly checked, has anyone spoken to the person carrying out the checks? I would assume that they would have a clear idea of both the type and source of contamination by now. What makes this area different? Stand near the Acton Main Line ticket office and look at the possible sources of fine dust. There are plenty of other areas with building materials and waste transfer facilities plus frequent diesel trains and plenty of road traffic.

Chris Bell ● 5059d

ChrisNone of which achieve the levels recorded by the Horn Ln, monitor.The source of pollution is known, it is the carcinogenic PM 10 and 2.5.  Both causing serious health issuesJust in case I am missing the point, would you explain why we should live in a highly polluted area which is failing to meet EU targets and, why people in the area are being ignored by Ealing Council, in their inability to deal with the problem.  You can't have an industrial site belching out pollution in a densely populated residential area.  The site would be better suited the other side of the A 40, far away from the populace.You may find this matter trivial, others don't.

Nicola Howard ● 5059d

PM10 and 2.5 do not tell you the source, only the size, which only gives a suggested list of possible sources, you still have to identify the source.

Chris Bell ● 5059d

Several meetings with The Environment Agency, at which an Ealing Council representative is also present, regularly elicits from the EA:-"It is difficult to identify the source of the PM10 pollution".SO, after over 7 years of expensive & time consuming monitoring, and careful data collection, the EA is no closer to identifying a culprit.There is obviously no will to identify and prosecute, which would sort the problem overnight.So WHAT do the EA actually DO I wonder?

Rosco White ● 5059d

What if they shut down each factory and monitored each factory for a day, on its own?  That way they could almost certainly find out who it is, couldn't they?

Angela White ● 5059d

That assumes that the pollution is from an enclosed factory. Stand near the Acton Main Line ticket office and see which of the areas is not a possible source of small particulate contamination, which areas could be the source of fine red dust reported earlier in this thread, and which areas might be the source of fine dust without any dominant colour. You may notice that the industrial area, originally all marshalling yards used for shunting goods waggons, is relatively low lying, with a shape that might tend to funnel wind from a westerly direction towards you.

Chris Bell ● 5059d

Far too logical and common sensicle for the EA to consider.Why simplify something you can string out for years and get paid a good living for a long time, whilst not actually doing  anything much, but "monitoring the situation"?After 7 years of monitoring, a total and unmitigated Farce.

Rosco White ● 5059d

We are not able to do the real research, but we pay our taxes to employ professionals to do that. Perhaps the problem is that politicians are more likely to receive undercover "thanks" for not doing that.

Chris Bell ● 5059d

Another thing to consider is  Boris's use of dust glue.Clean Air in London has today posted a page revealing information obtained from TfL under the Environmental Information Regulations (similar to Freedom of Information).It provides the log information for the dates and routes which were sprayed with calcium magnesium acetate solution as a "dust suppressant". In the first part of the release it shows that 4 km of Horn Lane received regular doses at 1.30 in the morning during the spring.And a North West London Olympic route (including Horn Lane) was sprayed in the Olympic/Paralympic period ending in September.I personally have a lot of doubts about the efficiency of the dust suppressant and have little faith in the rigour of the initial trials that were done on the Embankment. Nevertheless Boris believes that it has been worth spending ?£1.5m spraying the stuff on London's roads to try to keep the particulate levels within EU limits. King's College is supposed to be producing a proper report in the New Year.It does however add another tantalising possibility as to why Horn Lane is so bad now whereas it might have been under better control earlier in the year.seehttp://cleanairinlondon.org/olympics/mayor-used-pollution-suppressor-to-save-himself-not-others/and the series of links to other documents at the foot of the page.

Tim Henderson ● 5058d

Sunday 18 November 2012, 19:00 - 20:00 GMThttp://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspx?SiteCode=EA8&SiteName=Ealing%20-%20Horn%20Lane

Rosco White ● 5049d

Sunday and at 5 again.....what is going on during a Sunday?

Angela White ● 5049d

Roll on Wednesday.Air pollution banding Value Accompanying health messages for at-risk groups and the general populationAt-risk individuals * General populationLow 1-3 Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.Moderate 4-6 Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors. Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.High 7-9 Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion. Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.Very High 10 Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.* Adults and children with heart or lung problems are at greater risk of symptoms. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition. It is possible that very sensitive individuals may experience health effects even on Low air pollution days.

Nicola Howard ● 5049d

Pollution of PM 10 exceeded from 1st January 2012 to date.

Nicola Howard ● 5049d

It is interesting how hysteria can grip the most rational of people. The number of posts on the Oaks Planning Development Under Review measured 30, while this seems to warrant 120. The pollution that the Oaks will generate will far outweigh the temporary reduction in air quality that Horn Lane has produced. I can't understand why people have such a lack of imagination that they can't fully appreciate the full social and economic impact of the ARC proposal, which will affect the lives of thousands of Acton citizens.

Adrian Morrish ● 5049d

"temporary reduction in air quality that Horn Lane has produced " (?!) - are you kidding, this filth has been spewing out of the Horn Lane Industrial Estate for more than 20 years, and equally "affects the lives of thousands of Acton citizens."PM10s kill - fact.And Horn Lane is consistently among the highest lPM10 levels in London - fact.

Rosco White ● 5048d

20 years of PM10 pollution, don't you think it's time for more effective measures than 120 posts on the W3 site?

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

The concerns on this string are focused on the PM 10 levels, that, are continuously being belched out each and every day, from the Horn Lane industrial site.  So far this year, the levels have exceeded the legal limit.  PM 10s are carcinogens, causing severe health problems in the young and elderly and, storing up problems for others in later life.Angie Bray MP (Con) has made many representations on this matter and, continues to do so.www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2010-12-15a.291.0 - At this present time, The Oaks is not a health hazard but, when it does, I'm sure we will become very vocal.

Nicola Howard ● 5048d

Always a good tactic - to belittle others when you can't get what you want.  Politicians lacking integrity use it often. Not a great way to get support for your movement, Adrian.  You are on dangerous ground, belittling the efforts and concerns of residents who've been polluted upon for many, many years.

Angela White ● 5048d

I don't curry favour, I don't expect support, I'm not a politician and it's not my movement, it's everyone's. All I'm saying is that after 20 years, posts aren't going to solve the problem.

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

Threats are very common on this forum aren't they.

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

No, but, Wednesday's CCA meeting may go some way to resolve this filth we have to constantly breath in, on a daily basis.Water dripping an a stone will gradually wear it away.  What we really need is a change of administration.  The last time the fines/notices were dished out, the Tories were in charge of the council Re: Gowing and Pursey, 2009.  It is now 2012 and, this Labour administration have done NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING.

Nicola Howard ● 5048d

Where's the threat?

Nicola Howard ● 5048d

I'm apparently on dangerous ground?

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

Sounds like you need a flash mob outside Perceval House - anyone care to volunteer? 400 should do it.

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

We'll need some funding for the banners and a brand message to bring it all together.

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

AdrianI understand the remark that was made and I agree with it.  You clearly have not followed previous postings/strings on this subject.  There is a group of us, who are trying to get some positive action.  Do you live within the immediate vicinity of the Horn Lane Industrial Plant?  If you do, you should be very concerned.  A slow and painful death is not an option but, that is what we are being subjected too.

Nicola Howard ● 5048d

You are really stretching your imagination, Adrian.  There is no threat to you, only the threat of us all being poisoned, and not by you either, although if you carry on I may have to call you toxic!  ;-)

Angela White ● 5048d

As I have sais, direct action is the only way in this case and that means getting out onto the streets and being a nuisance. Are there any specific perpetrators?

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

Adrian, now you're talking.  Not what exactly you have in mind but we'll be seeing the Council Leader tomorrow night and take it from there anyway.

Angela White ● 5048d

First of all, any pressure group needs teeth. There's only one way of doing this, make yourselves a nuisance. Last year I supported a pressure group calling itself Save Our Skyline in Hammersmith (http://www.saveourskyline.co.uk). This is a good template for a campaign and was successful in its aims. We ended up shouting at Boris while standing outside County Hall! Take a look at the site, it's really well done. Do you know any local celebrities, Vanessa Redgrave was a great advocate in the Skyline case.

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

As Freddie Mercury said - everyone needs a gimmick. My immediate thought is the use of horns as a gimmick, warrior (horns) dilemma (horns) RESIDENTS ON THE HORNS OF A DILEMMA- type of thing, descriptive and memorable. The press will love it too.

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

Get one of these going http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk. If you get a certain number of signatures they have to debate it in Parliament.

Adrian Morrish ● 5048d

Boris's Air Quality Day has coincided with the release of reports on the projects funded by the "Clean Air Fund".http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/21103.aspxContrary to my doubts about the wisdom of spreading dust glue everywhere, the King's College report does say it has a place in controlling PM10 from resuspended materials and Horn Lane is the star site with remarkable reductions noted immediately after application. "The very positive results from the trial and study at industrial sites support the view that continuing application of CMA on and around the industrial study sites is likely to have a significant impact on PM10 concentrations."On more typical road corridor sites, particularly Marylebone Road where most of the effort (and probably expense) was exercised, dust glue had little effect.It isn't clear whether the use at Horn Lane is ongoing.....

Tim Henderson ● 4985d

Boris's Air Quality Day has coincided with the release of reports on the projects funded by the "Clean Air Fund".http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/21103.aspxContrary to my doubts about the wisdom of spreading dust glue everywhere, the King's College report does say it has a place in controlling PM10 from resuspended materials and Horn Lane is the star site with remarkable reductions noted immediately after application."The very positive results from the trial and study at industrial sites support the view that continuing application of CMA on and around the industrial study sites is likely to have a significant impact on PM10 concentrations."On more typical road corridor sites, particularly Marylebone Road where most of the effort (and probably expense) was exercised, dust glue had little effect.It isn't clear whether the use at Horn Lane is ongoing.....

Tim Henderson ● 4985d

Perhaps traffic wear removed it too quickly from the Marylebone Road, perhaps adding to the problem, but it remained for longer in the Horn Lane area.

Chris Bell ● 4984d

I think it is more related to the type of PM10. Dust glue seems to be better at sticking the mineral based, relatively coarse particles associated with construction sites and the waste transfer stations rather than the fine sooty particles coming out of car exhausts.At least that's how I read the report.King's College also did some work assessing if the application of dust glue on Marylebone Road did make the problem worse and came to the conclusion that it didn't.

Tim Henderson ● 4984d

Dust Glue and the Kings College report feature in the Guardian today..... http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/feb/13/boris-johnson-sticky-pollution-failure

Iain Muir ● 4962d

Indeed - the Guardian has picked up that the study showed pretty negligible effect when sprayed on roads (and hence the better part of £400,000 has been wasted) BUT the same study has reported the beneficial effects of dust glue on some construction sites. Horn Lane was specifically mentioned in the press release accompanying today's announcements on air quality plans."    he Mayor will also work with the Environment Agency to rollout the use of dust suppressants at industrial sites. At Horn Lane these reduced concentrations of PM10 emissions by up to 59 per cent."http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/mayor-london-announces-game-changer-air-quality-capital

Tim Henderson ● 4962d

................... and the Horn Lane Pollution Monitor seems to be breaking down/going offline with monotonous regularity these past months.Currently offline with no data recordings since 7th Feb!!

Rosco White ● 4962d

That's unacceptable, Rosco.

Angela White ● 4961d

Tuesday 5 March 2013, 13:00 - 14:00 GMThttp://www.ealingair.org.uk/AirQuality/LatestReadings.aspxNot long before Horn Lane back to its usual tricks .........

Rosco White ● 4943d

9:20pm and we are still at level 6.  We have one decent day of weather and, up goes the pollution.Decent weather = more dust = more pollution = more PM 10s.

Nikki Howard ● 4942d

more PM10 = more deaths

Dee Cook ● 4942d

Today at 2100.Horn Ln., orange 4, Gypsy Cnr., Red 6, Hanger Ln., Green 3.Anyone know which way the wind was blowing?more PM10 = more deaths.  Just wait until the site expands.  Any update on Hanson's application?

Nikki Howard ● 4941d

King's college website at 2300 6th March for Horn Ln.  RED 7/8.This is totally unacceptable.  As king's monitor the Industrial site, I would consider these readings more accurate that the Ealing figures.

Nikki Howard ● 4941d