Neasden Goods Yard Still Causing Local Misery - Teather
June 1, 2009 3:06 PM
Local Liberal Democrats are campaigning to clean up Neasden
Liberal Democrat Brent East MP Sarah Teather has brought Liberal Democrat European candidate for London Sarah Ludford to visit Neasden Lane, often referred to as the dirtiest street in London.
For many years Neasden Goods Yard, a major waste depot, has caused significant problems for local residents. The quality of air at Neasden Lane has frequently been shown to be the worst in London, with the pollution index often hitting 7 (out of a maximum of 10).
Tackling the problems at the goods yard has been a top priority for Sarah Teather. In 2004 she forced Brent Council and the Environment Agency to work together on a joint action plan. Sarah has also given court evidence on behalf of local people against the principal operator; lobbied the environment agency for more stringent monitoring and enforcement, and frequently raised the case in parliament.
The European Union is now in the process of prosecuting the British government for failing to deal with the problem of pollution more widely. The Liberal Democrats believe that Britain should be working with its neighbours on international issues such as climate change and air quality.
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:
"The shocking state of the air quality in the Neasden area has long been a serious problem for local people. Window sills are caked in dust and grime, hundreds of lorries are constantly coming and going, and many local residents complain of damaging health problems
"I have worked hard to get the yard's management to clean up their act. We scored a real victory when a court agreed to repeal the license of one of the worst offenders. But, despite this massive step forward, air quality at the site is still shown to be unacceptable.
"I urge local people to keep fighting with me on this issue. When companies are clearly breaching the rules, for example by driving lorries to and from the goods yard without suitable covering, it's absolutely vital to report this evidence to the Environment Agency so that we can push them to take action."
Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, said:
"Local people in Neasden deserve to live in an environment free of dirt and grime. It is simply appalling that residents have had to put up with this level of dust and pollution for so long.
"The Labour government have shown no respect for European rules on air quality, which could make a real difference for people in Neasden. Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament will continue to fight against dirty air and pollution."
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