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Unsightly air quality monitoring equipment will stay in place in Linlithgow’s historic High Street even though it is no longer needed. Tom Conn, the local Labour councillor, asked environmental health staff why the apparatus was still in place a year after a monitoring order had been revoked. He told a meeting that its removal would save the Scottish Government money and show townspeople that pollution was no longer a problem. Councillor Conn said: “The air monitor has been very prominent in Linlithgow High Street for the best part of 25 to 30 years. Is it not time that it’s retired if it’s not serving any great purpose?” The sinister looking testing station, which resembles the ventilation shaft for a wartime deep air raid shelter, sits just yards from the A-listed St Michael’s Well - testament to the 21st century’s effect on the ancient burgh’s thoroughfare. The Public and Community Safety PDSP heard last August that an Air Quality Monitoring Order on the street could be revoked because of falling levels of pollution. Craig Smith, the council’s Environmental Health Manager told a meeting of the Public and Community Safety PDSP that the Scottish Government’s preference was for the equipment to stay in place to provide data. A nationwide review of the future of air quality monitoring sites is currently under way. Mr Smith told councillors: “I appreciate the concerns expressed. There will be a cost in decommissioning these units. We would not want to have something that isn’t necessary, but for time being we’re being encouraged to keep it there by the Scottish Government to have continued monitoring.” Councillor Conn thanked the officer for the explanation but added: “There has to come a time when you have to draw a line. I would suggest the Scottish Government, rather than pay out to keep it there, pay for its removal. “It would be an indication to the public that High Street’s pollution is not the same concern that it has been in the past, or if there are less intrusive measures that could be used.” Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
