A recently published report from Derbyshire Dales District Council has shown that the air on Buxton Road Ashbourne has levels of pollution that are on average almost 20% above the suggested safe maximum. The pollutant in question is nitrogen dioxide (sometimes abbreviated to NOx) and is formed in vehicle engines, particularly older diesel engines. It is an internationally recognised hazard with EU legislation making 40ug m-3 the maximum long term exposure limit. It is associated with a variety of health conditions including respiratory diseases.

Both books are worth a read but it is to the rather less leisurely pursuit of trying to cross a busy road in Ashbourne, Derbyshire that this title refers.

All those with concerns about the climate emergency know that we should walk or cycle wherever possible in order to reduce the amount of pollution. However what do you do when to walk means you have to cross a very busy road? To drive would be safer for you and your family but that would make the journey of those who do not have that choice or who simply want to do 'the right thing' so much more dangerous by increasing the amount of traffic.

We request that Derbyshire County Council Highways Department urgently considers creating a pedestrian crossing on Clifton Road, Ashbourne. This road is frequently extremely busy and the single central refuge is inadequate to allow parents with children to cross the road in safety.

Here are some of the photos taken at the count. There are also a good selection on the Ashbourne News Telegraph website

It happens all the time in the Derbyshire market town of Ashbourne - two large vehicles meet each other in the narrow roads. It is usually the pavements that provide a way to pass each other (with pedestrians having to get out of the way) but on this occasion even the pavement didn't provide sufficient room and the two vehicles locked against each other causing traffic to back up through the town.

We urge the Derbyshire Dales District Council to carry out urgently needed repairs to the Bandstand in Ashbourne Memorial Park. It is poor stewardship of a valued town asset, that the Council have allowed it to fall into such a state of disrepair that there are holes in the roof.

Ashbourne Memorial Park with its children's play area, once boasted two shelters and some rather convenient conveniences to provide a solution to the problems of inclement weather or being caught short. Now only one of these remains and that has been closed. Two have been reduced to bare concrete plinths , and the conveniences locked and bolted.

We request that Derbyshire County Council Highways Department urgently consider the dangerous nature of the Derby Road / Old Derby Road junction, particularly for pedestrians. With the significant increase in the number of homes and the opening of three retail outlets near this junction, a safe way to visit the shops on foot or by bike is needed.