SCHOOLS and businesses in the most polluted parts of Sussex will get help to improve air quality thanks to a £100,000 cash boost.

The Sussex Air Quality Partnership, which promotes improvement in air quality across the county, has received the money from the Government’s Air Quality Fund.

It will be used over the next year to help 25 businesses and 25 schools in and around Air Quality Management Areas – where levels of air pollution are highest – which are currently found in Chichester, Horsham, Shoreham, Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Hassocks, Worthing, Lewes and Newhaven.

Support will include encouraging more walking and cycling to work or school, helping pay for less polluting boilers and vehicles and campaigns urging drivers not to leave their engine running while stationary.

The partnership is led by East Sussex County Council and made up of representatives from all local councils in Sussex.

Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council lead member for transport and environment, said: “Air pollution has a negative effect on health and it’s vital we do everything possible to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

“A lot of work is already being done across Sussex to encourage walking and cycling for daily journeys and to help businesses become more energy efficient.

“This additional funding will help us and our partners to do more to provide practical support for schools and businesses to improve air quality in the areas where it’s most needed.”

Any schools or businesses located in one of the Air Quality Management Areas who may benefit from the scheme are asked to contact Andy Arnold by emailing andy.arnold@eastsussex.gov.uk or calling 01273 481606.

A map showing Air Quality Management Areas in Sussex can be found at https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/aqma/maps