A NEW air quality project aims to deliver cleaner air at level crossings, schools, hospitals and GP surgeries.

Cherwell District Council has been awarded £17,300 from DEFRA to make air quality improvements.

DEFRA’s Air Quality Grant Programme provides funding to local authorities to carry out projects in their areas that tackle air pollution and reduce emissions affecting schools, businesses and residents.

The council will use the funds for an anti-idling campaign at level crossings, schools, hospitals and doctors' surgeries.

Read also; Travellers seen setting up camp in an Abingdon retail park

Nearly £70 million has been awarded through the Air Quality Grant since it was launched in 1997.

John Howell, MP for Henley, said: “Clean air is vital for people’s health and the environment. Tackling all sources of air pollution is essential for making sure our cities and towns are welcoming places for people to live and work in, now and in the future. My congratulations go to Cherwell.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.