EASTBOURNE and District Friends of the Earth is says there needs to be 'a calm, evidence-based discussion on the issue of air pollution' after the town was named as one of the ten worst in the country.

Last week we reported that Eastbourne had been named and shamed by the World Health Organisation and that our air pollution was shocking.

Our MP, council leader and pier owner all expressed concern and doubts at the evidence, but the Friends say we should not be surprised at the report.

Public Health England has published a report which says that there are about 61 deaths a year in Eastbourne from particulate air pollution, and the young and elderly, as well as those with heart and lung problems, are especially at risk from the ill-effects of such pollution.

Andy Durling, Co-ordinator of Eastbourne & District Friends of the Earth, said: 'We call upon local politicians and business leaders in Eastbourne to work together to show real leadership on the issue of local air pollution.

'There are many practical measures that can be taken to reduce particulate air pollution, such as introducing Clean Air Zones to reduce the amount of diesel traffic that enters those areas of the town most at risk from such pollution, especially near schools.

'Reducing the level of traffic in the town by making life much easier for cyclists and walkers, as well as encouraging the use of public transport and facilitating the fastest possible introduction of electric cars, vans, buses and taxis will all help to reduce traffic pollution. Some good work has already been done, but so much more could - and should - be done.

'All this, together with a push for a rapid scaling-up of renewable energy generation throughout the town, would help make Eastbourne a leader in the transition to the clean energy, zero carbon society that will ensure a safe, healthy, and prosperous future for us all.

'We are arranging urgent talks with Eastbourne Borough Council to talk about air pollution in general and the WHO report in particular, as there seems to be considerable confusion amongst some about exactly what the WHO report says and what it means. What it does not mean is that Eastbourne's air pollution is uniquely bad.

'Most UK towns and cities have an air pollution problem. Eastbourne's air could be cleaner and safer than it is at the moment, and the better the air quality in our town, the better everyone's health and well-being will be. Then Eastbourne will be an even better place to visit, work, and live in than it already is.'