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Schools in pollution fear
POLLUTION is so bad near the M1, South Yorkshire schools may have to move to save pupils from the bad air and noise
If sound barriers and motorway widening are not effective, the Government could consider shifting schools away from the unrelenting traffic.
The radical possibility was today revealed by Sheffield Attercliffe MP Clive Betts, who visited pollution-plagued Tinsley Junior School, yards from the M1 near junction 34.
He said: "The Department of Transport is looking at traffic speeds and sound barriers to try to bring an effective solution to the problems.
"If these are not effective measures then it might mean that it would be better that costs are put towards moving schools further away from the motorway.
"This is something that might happen in the future."
Headteacher at Tinsley Junior School Jude Grundy fears ceaseless traffic noise and air pollution puts pupils at risk.
Levels of air pollution on the M1 near junction 34 are said to be higher than acceptable levels set by the European Union.
She said: "It is extremely noisy here. Children do not talk about it much but they will be affected. It will affect their concentration. The pollution levels are a concern.
"We would welcome more spending on measures like soundproofing, especially during the summer when we have the windows open, but I am not sure about moving the school."
Transport bosses plan to widen the M1 in each direction to four lanes between junction 29 to 35, taking in the Rotherham and Sheffield areas. Tinsley viaduct may be widened to three lanes.
A public meeting was last night attended by dozens of residents in Catcliffe, who heard how motorway widening might affect their health.
The meeting was arranged by Residents Against Pollution and Catcliffe and Brinsworth Community Partnership's Transport and Health Theme Group.
Steve Ruffle, spokesman for Waverley Community Connects, said: "There are a lot of concerns and worries about pollution and these were expressed. It was a good meeting and there will be more in the future to discuss this issue."
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
