The Government and its devolved administrations' Air Quality Strategy was published earlier this month, amid growing controversy over the contribution of air pollution to health problems.

The strategy (for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), 'Working Together for Clean Air' predicts dramatic improvements in air quality, to be achieved mainly through integrated transport policies, cleaner fuels and improved vehicle technology. It sets a new objective to halve levels of lead by 2008, as well as tightening targets for other pollutants including benzene and carbon monoxide. A decision on a target for particles has been deferred until later in the year, attracting criticism from environment and health groups. They point out that according to Government experts, particles are responsible for 8,000 premature deaths a year. The new Strategy says that strict targets on particles are unachievable.

In explaining the need for the strategy, it is stated that poor air quality aggravates health conditions such as asthma and chronic breathing and heart conditions, and causes between 12,000 and 24,000 premature deaths a year. But this evidence has been questioned by other research commissioned by the Government, for the National Health Service, which says that concern over air pollution is largely inspired by historical experience of pea-soup fogs, long since conquered.(Thanks to Green Alliance)

Be that as it may, the Air Quality Strategy sets out how human health and the environment can be protected by reducing pollution. It sets health-based standards for the eight main air pollutants and objectives for the whole UK. Performance against these objectives will be monitored. There are two new objectives to protect vegetation and ecosystems.

It is said that local authorities play a key role in improving air quality. They can do this through regulating industry and through the system of Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) - a system which came into effect in Wales in December 1997.

Copies of the Summary of the Strategy can be obtained from:

• DETR Free Literature, PO Box 236 Wetherby LS23 7NB

Further information about the Strategy and LAQM, contact

• Robert Rustage, Environment Division, NAW, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ Telephone 01222 823473 or by e-mail on robert.rustage@wales.gsi.gov.uk

One of the questions covered in the Summary is:"

• How does LAQM affect me? As a councillor?"
  
  And the answer is:
  
• "You should make sure that everything you are asked to decide on incorporates air quality considerations."

This is just what CPRW's Director and 16 other signatories recently asked all Flintshire County Councillors to do when considering ...

Castle Cement's

The letter pointed out that:

• The location of the works would be highly visible in a predominantly rural setting. The proposal, to erect a pre-heater tower rising 110 metres far exceeds the height of the existing chimneys and is of far greater proportions and would result in unacceptable visual impact.
• The planning application shows that there will be over 750 Heavy Goods Vehicle movements a day in addition to the workers' cars and other vehicles and it is felt that this too would be unacceptable.
• The proposal is to burn alternative fuels - Cemfuel, tyres and process fuel, some of which currently goes to landfill and is causing the public to be concerned about the effects of emissions on the health of people over a wide area. 

Despite an assurance from consultants for the North Wales Health Authority, public disquiet appears to be growing.

Stop Press: Application approved on 2.2.2000

According to the December 1999 'Casebook' - A monthly review of planning law and policy - published in Planning Magazine, in a recent case before the Court of Appeal, the court accepted that the existence of objectively unjustified fears in the locality can, in some circumstances, be a legitimate factor for the local planning authority to take into account when deciding an application. How much weight it gives to these fears is, in principle, a matter for the authority.

This is the title of a timely seminar organised by Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru (Wales Broadbased Organisation) to be held at Crispin Lane Hall, NEWI, Wrexham at 10am until 1pm on Saturday 19th February. The purpose of the seminar is to be informative about the problems facing us all and the possible solutions affecting the disposal of household waste. The seminar will present the latest information and best practice for waste handling in the UK and overseas with speakers from the local Council, other parts of the UK and from as far afield as Canada.

There is no charge for attending although donations towards expenses would be appreciated. If you want to attend, places must be booked.

•  Contact TCT at 37 Kingsmills Road, Wrexham LL13 8NH Tel/Fax 01978 262588.

See also 'Sustainabilty Corner' later in this Bulletin

The debate about the future of the Post Office Network has been well aired in the media over recent weeks. It has come about because of plans to pay benefits automatically into bank accounts which would, according to the Federation of Sub-Postmasters, mean the closure of many of the smaller rural post offices which rely heavily on the process of cashing giro cheques and pension books.

Assurances have been given that people will still be able to cash their benefits in person but obviously the pressure will be there to change to the automatic system.

Meanwhile the Performance and Innovation Unit of the Cabinet Office, which recently published a report 'Rural Economies', have been asked to investigate the future of the post office network. They have been asked to report to the Prime Minister before Easter.

If you share the concerns about the future of your post office, write to:

Mr Alan Johnson MP
Minister for Competitiveness
Department of Trade and Industry
House of Commons
Westminster
London SW1

who is the sponsoring Minister.

You could also copy your letter to your own MP and Assembly Members.

Copies of CPRW's booklet 'The Cottage Tradition - Maintaining a living heritage' are still available on request. Since its publication we have had many requests for help in securing advice and funds for the sensitive restoration of cottages and indeed other buildings and we are building up (sorry!) our library information on this subject.

The Association of Preservation Trusts (APT) is a thriving organisation that exists to encourage and assist Building Preservation Trusts (BPTs) both individually and collectively to expand their capacity to preserve the built heritage. The Association was initiated by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) in 1988.

There are two principal types of BPTs: those set up to assume long term responsibility for a single building, and those established with the aim of acquiring, repairing and disposing of properties and applying the proceeds of one project to the working capital required for the next.

We have a list of the existing BPTs in Wales and further details of the work of the APT and the AHF - all available on request.

The AHF have produced a fully updated directory 'Funds for Historic Buildings in England and Wales' - an extremely useful guide which aims to point everyone with an interest in historic buildings to possible funding sources for their repair, conservation, conversion and rehabilitation.

Another extremely useful organisation is The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) which is involved in all aspects of the survival of buildings which are old and interesting. Besides courses, they offer technical advice and sell publications on a wide ramge of subjects ranging from 'Basic Limewash'(£1), to 'Repair of Wood Windows'(£3) to 'Structural Renovation of Traditional Buildings (£37). SPAB is particularly concerned with using local, traditional materials on vernacular buildings.

The Society employs a technical adviser who gives free advice on the repair of old buildings to anyone who telephones or writes in. More difficult enquiries are referred to the Technical Panel , a group of expert volunteers who meet monthly.

By law SPAB must be notified of all applications to demolish, in whole or part, any statutory listed historic building in England and Wales.

Further details of their work and a list of their publications can be obtained from Head Office or by contacting SPAB at 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY Tel. 020 7377 1644.

House of Lords:

 In The House of Lords' Select Committee on The European Union's Report 'Electricity from Renewables' no mention was made of CPRW's evidence which had been submitted to the Inquiry. During a debate in the House of Lords in November it was revealed that our evidence had "unfortunately gone astray".

 We are very pleased that the evidence has now been published, in full, in a further publication from the Committee 'Further Documents'. This also includes the Government's response to the House of Lords' Committee.

The Barningham High Moor Case:

 The developers will not be going to the Appeal Court following the High Court's decision which supported the Government's refusal of their appeal against refusal of planning permission

 Brecon:

 Llethercynon, Talachddu (previously known as Garthbrengy) - an exhibition has been held and an application is expected shortly.

Conwy: 

Mynydd Hiraethog - a revised application has been submitted. A meeting of the coalition of objectors was called by CPRW. Members in the area have been asked to consider writing in to object. All non-members who objected to the previous application which was refused by just one vote have also been written to asking them to write again but also to support CPRW.

Moel Maelogen - application for 3 turbines approved.

 Betws-yn-Rhos - it has been reported that an appeal against refusal has been lodged.

Denbighshire:

 Tir Mostyn and Foel Goch - The Director spoke at a Public Meeting. CPRW's retained consultant, Geoff Sinclair, has been advising local residents who have formed an extremely active and efficient protest group - DART.

 Montgomeryshire:

Nantcarfan - developers have appealed to the National Assembly because of 'failure to determine'. This means that three applications are now in the hands of the Assembly - Cwm Llwyd, Mynydd Clogau and now Nant Carfan.

 Cemaes 'B' is still awaiting a hearing following CPRW's challenge of the, then, Secretary of State's decision to grant permission for the extension of 6 turbines despite the Inspector having recommended approval of only 4. 

Pembrokeshire:

Wogaston Farm, near Rhoscrowther - application for 3 turbines submitted. Geoff Sinclair has complained that the statutory public consultation is "inadequate, meaningless and possibly illegal and should be re-run".

Carmarthenshire:

Parc Cynon: Appeal against refusal of 6 turbines allowed.

The campaign to end fuel poverty - by means of a national programme of home insulation and energy efficiency driven by central government - can now be won. David Amess MP (Conservative - Southend West) who came fifth in the recent Private Members' Ballot, has adopted the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill. The Bill will be voted on in the House of Commons on 10th March.

Winning the parliamentary vote on 10th March will be crucial - but not easy. A single MP can "talk the Bill out" and ensure it fails. But this can be prevented if over 100 MPs turn up to vote for the Bill. Under House of Commons rules at least 100 votes are needed.

Please consider writing to your MP at the House of Commons, London SW1A OAA to encourage her/him to put the date in their diaries now. If you want further details of the campaign, suggestions of things to include in your letter and indeed your MP's record of previous support for the Bill, contact Head Office on 01938 552525 or E-Mail on info@cprw.org.uk

You may recall reading (Branch Bulletin No. 56) the account of this national Conference which was held in November 1998. It was billed as a follow-up to the 'From Vision to Action' Conference held in Cwmbran in January 1998, where the Welsh Office Guideline document on Local Agenda 21 for local authorities was launched. Sue Walton recently contacted Wrexham County Borough Council, who hosted the conference, to find out what had happened to the long-promised Conference Report. The reply was:

"Unfortunately we will not be able to produce a conference report, due to a number of reasons. Firstly, the technicians forgot to tape the morning sessions and three of the speakers couldn't give us any script (incl. Jon Owen Jones). Secondly, it would still be a lot of work to edit the other items (most of them only available in a rough draft format). Thirdly and most importantly, it is such a long time ago that most things are completely out of date and have been succeeded by other conferences."

The sustainability corner is included to give members practical ideas on how improve their everyday life sustainability. There are so many small changes we can all easily make which together will have an impressive positive impact.

Waste is a problem we can all identify with, its affects are enormous. A single person can generate up to 11 kg of waste each week (Keep Britain Tidy Group, 1999). The Government has admitted that the number of incinerators in the UK may have to increase from the present 11 to as many as 130, to cope with the staggering amounts of waste that are being produced. (The Observer, Nov. 1999). This would be disastrous, as incinerators produce copious amounts of greenhouse gases.

As consumers there is more we can do to reduce waste. At the household level waste minimisation starts in the shop by choosing products and services with the least environmental impact. Here are a few examples of things which you can do.

•  Buy refillable containers for items such as cleaning fluid, washing detergent.
  
  
•  Avoid disposable products such as nappies, razors, tissues - use a hanky instead. 
  
  
• Re-use items such as envelopes, cardboard boxes, try and avoid plastic carriers bags, but if you do use them try and reuse them as much as possible. 
  
  
• Contact the Mailing Preference Service on 0171 766 4410 to discourage unsolicited mailshots. 
  
  
• Try to avoid items made of plastic, instead opt for containers which you know can be recycled.
  
  
• and more..... For more information contact Waste Watch, who promote action of waste reduction and recycling on 0870 243 0136.

If you have handy tips on how members can reduce their weekly waste, please let us know. Alternatively if you have suggestions or ideas to help us live more sustainably, Head Office would be pleased to hear from you. A free low energy lightbulb for anyone whose tips are published.

Thanks to Claire Morgan

Seven new sustainability awards are to be established by the Princes' Award Foundation over the next three years. The series of awards, to be called 'European Awards for Sustainability' will be given to the best sustainability initiatives in the areas of agriculture, transport, tourism, financial institutions, health, design and media. Each award is to be hosted by an invited European city. Further details from the Foundation, c/o European Environment Agency, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark.

In the Foundation's January newsletter we came across what we consider is a little known piece of information which we would like to share with you:

The Winners of the Environmental Factual Film Award in 1988 were, and we quote:

In Branch Bulletin No 60 the UK Phenological Network was explained. Enclosed with this mailing is the form for recording the timing of events - such as the first leaf of Elder and the first flower of the Dog Rose. Further copies of the form and other details (for example results of a similar exercise from a century ago) are available on the website - www.nmw.ac.uk/ite/phenology/

A small colony of red wood ants have been rediscovered in a woodland near Llanidloes, in mid Wales, thanks to information given to the Countryside Council for Wales.

In 1946, Mr Geoff Hindley, then a small boy, left bomb scarred Manchester for Llanidloes, where, during the course of childhood games in a local woodland, he discovered two red wood ant nests. As years passed and Geoff grew up, the ants were forgotten.

More than 50 years later, Geoff came back to mid Wales to retire, and whilst walking in the same wood, noticed a single ant crossing his path. He followed the ant to discover five thriving nests.

Roger Matthews, CCW's Montgomeryshire Assistant District Officer said "We are very happy that these ants have been rediscovered. There are now two colonies in Montgomeryshire, the other being near Commins Coch. With only 30 red wood ant sites, thinly scattered across Wales, the ant is now included in the Government's Biodiversity Action Plan as a conservation priority species.

Wood ants are an unmistakable feature of woodlands, building large nest mounds from leaf fragments and other debris. Each nest can contain thousands of ants as well as several queens. The insects have no sting, but can defend themselves by firing formic acid from their rear ends when disturbed. These rare ants are protected by law in some European countries because of their great value in destroying forest pests.

During the summer of 2000 an exhibition under the title 'Representing Wales - What represents Wales to you?" will be held in Bangor Museum and Gallery. Gwynedd Council's Museums and Library Service wants people to contact them to say what represents Wales to them as an individual. It could be anything: a person, music, poetry, sporting experience or emotion, as long as it's in Wales. You will need to represent your choice with something in your possession, as well as explain it. For further information, or to submit your suggestion, contact Nest Thomas at the Department of Education, Culture and Leisure, Gwynedd Council, Caernarfon LL55 1SH. Nest's direct line is 01286 679 098.

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Lady White, CPRW's Honorary Life Vice-President, just before Christmas. A full tribute will appear in the Spring edition of Rural Wales Magazine which will be published at the beginning of March.