Pupils “drone” on about clean air
Around 180 children from Reception to Y6 along with staff from Gurney Pease Academy in Darlington “took to the skies” to declare their love for clean air recently.
They braved the weather to spell out “We ❤ clean air” on their playground while a drone operated by Chris Horner of Durham Police hovered above and took photos. Chris also took time to talk to the children about the drone, how it works and what it’s used for.
The youngsters also designed clean air posters as part of their work to raise awareness of air pollution and the steps that can be taken to tackle it.
In addition, the school has recently taken delivery of an engine idling banner provided by Darlington Borough Council. The banner shows a graphic scene of car exhaust fumes amongst youngsters walking to school with the strap line Care About Your Air. This will serve as a reminder to parents to switch off their engines whilst waiting to collect children from school.
The banners are part of the council’s Care for Clean Air campaign with this campaign work being aimed at encouraging motorists not to leave their engine idling whilst their vehicle is stationary. Engine idling “hotspots” include outside of schools and nurseries whilst parents and carers drop off and pick up; along with other areas where people wait to collect passengers including outside the train station, supermarkets, and in car parks.
Leaving a diesel or petrol engine idling whilst parked up concentrates emissions from the engine and can lead to poor localised air quality. It is estimated that an idling car causes enough emissions to fill 150 balloons with harmful pollutants every minute.
Joanne Davison, acting Principal for Gurney Pease Academy said:
“The children had great fun taking part in the drone photo and learned a bit about drone technology as well. It’s been a fun way to drive home an important message around air pollution and the harm it can cause everyone especially younger children and those who are more vulnerable.
“We’re delighted to support the council’s Care for Clean Air campaign and look forward to putting our banner up and spreading the word about engine idling.”
Councillor Matthew Roche, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and housing said:
“Many thanks to the pupils and staff of Gurney Pease for helping us drive home our message about loving clean air. We are working hard to reduce our own emissions to improve air quality and to help encourage everyone to stop engine idling as well as being aware of the dangers around air pollution.
“It’s great to see local children taking an interest in an issue that affects us all, especially younger people and those with health conditions. Well done.”
Darlington schools can get a free engine idling banner by emailing [email protected]
The council’s engine idling campaign forms part of a wider clean air strategy which demonstrates how the council aims to reduce air pollution, including that caused by engine idling and log burning, across the borough. The strategy is available online at www.darlington.gov.uk/airqualitystrategy