Air quality at former pollution hotspot in Kibworth has ‘improved sufficiently’

Air quality in The Kibworths - which was once labelled a pollution hotspot - has improved sufficiently, according to the latest data.

And overall, the figures show that air quality remains generally good across the Harborough district.

The A6 in Kibworth was a hotspot for air pollution, before changes were made.

placeholder image — The A6 in Kibworth was a hotspot for air pollution, before changes were made.

Back in 2017, air quality experts were called in to look at the Kibworth area due to its high nitrogen dioxide levels, especially around the A6.

The area became an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) - but improvements in the Kibworth villages means that the AQMA can now be revoked.

Back in 2017, air quality experts were called in to look at the Kibworth area - but today's figures show improvements to the air quality.

At a meeting of Harborough District Council's Cabinet on October 26, councillors approved the 2026 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) for submission to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), including the revocation of the AQMA in The Kibworths.

A spokesperson for Harborough District Council said: "The report shows air quality remains generally good across Harborough district. "Monitoring data from The Kibworths has demonstrated sustained improvements over several years, meaning the AQMA designation is no longer required.

"The AQMA was originally declared due to concerns about nitrogen dioxide levels. While the designation will be removed, the council will continue to monitor air quality in The Kibworths and across the district."

The council said it will also begin work on a new Air Quality Strategy to help maintain and improve air quality across Harborough district.

Cllr Michael Rickman, cabinet lead for community safety, said: “We're pleased that air quality in The Kibworths has improved and remained within national objectives for a sustained period.

“The decision to revoke the Air Quality Management Area is based on robust evidence, and residents can be assured that air quality monitoring will continue in The Kibworths and across the district to ensure standards remain good and to identify any issues should they arise.

“We're committed to building on this progress through the development of a new Air Quality Strategy.”

To read the Cabinet report and Air Quality Annual Status Report visit: https://www.harborough.gov.uk/homepage/235/council_meeting