In his latest blog for Caerphilly Observer, Conservative South Wales East AM, Mohammad Asghar, expresses his concern over air pollution levels in Hafodyrynys with the submission of a proposal to resume quarrying at a nearby site.
“A planning application before Torfaen Council could increase already high levels of air pollution in Hafodyrynys.
“I am concerned that plans to allow quarrying to resume at the Ti’r Pentwys Cut would increase traffic on the A472. Air pollution levels here already far exceed guidelines laid down by the World Health Organisation and Caerphilly County Borough Council has set up a steering group to produce an Air Quality Management action plan.
“If this application is approved Ti’r Pentwys quarry would be re-opened which would entail an access road being built to join the A472 between Crumlin and Pontypool.
“This would obviously increase the amount of traffic on this road and increase levels of air pollution. I have already made my concerns about the level of air pollution in Hafodyrynys known to Caerphilly Council and to the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment.
“In view of the fact that this planning application has implications beyond the boundaries of Torfaen Council I have asked the Cabinet Secretary to consider calling in this proposal.”