On Thursday 21 June, Sir Oliver Heald MP attended Stonehill Primary School in Letchworth in support of the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) National Clean Air Day.
National Clean Air Day was about raising awareness of pollution issues, supporting people to reduce the amount of pollution they create and working together to improve air quality.
The North East Hertfordshire MP was joined on the day by Simon Brown of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) who, in partnership with other district authorities, are working together to improve air quality within Hertfordshire and make people aware of the difference they can make.
Sir Oliver had the chance to discuss National Clean Air Day with SENCo Julie Whittemore, the school’s Junior Travel Ambassadors and none other than ‘Buster the Dinosaur’ on the ways in which local residents are able to lower their carbon footprint.
The school encouraged pupils, parents and school staff to walk, cycle or scoot to school and leave the car at home. Those who needed to drive were asked to park away from the primary school and complete their journeys on foot. Students were also encouraged to wear green clothing as part of the day’s proceedings.
Sir Oliver was also present to open the school’s new running track which was used as part of their ‘daily golden mile’ objective. The track was funded by the Herts Sports Partnership and the ‘sugar tax’.
Commenting, Sir Oliver said; “I was very impressed at the parents and children walking to school and to learn of this Hertfordshire initiative. Clean Air Day is a great way of highlighting the need for fresh air and its health benefits. I enjoyed meeting the families with Buster the Dinosaur as they arrived at school.”