ENVIRONMENTALISTS from Extinction Rebellion joined protesters to support a 2,000-signed air quality improvement petition.

A fourth protest was held outside Maidenhead town hall to back leader petitioner Thomas Wigley’s campaign urging the council to start monitoring PM.2.5, which are tiny bits of solids (known as particulates) that are 2.5 microns or less in width, and increase its PM10 – particulates that are 10 microns or less in diameter - monitoring.   

Councillors unanimously agreed at Tuesday’s full council meeting to add three additional air quality monitoring stations that pick up PM2.5 and PM10, however, when and where these will be placed is currently unknown.

READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead to expand air quality monitoring regime

Before the meeting, campaigners from Maidenhead Great Park, who recently lost a High Court case for an extension of time to challenge the borough local plan, flocked to the town hall with signs and blasting Joni Mitchell’s 1970 song ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ on repeat.

Boos and jeers were made whenever a Conservative councillor was seen looking out of the council chamber window.

The protest was even joined by Extinction Rebellion, who walked around ringing a bell and were wearing rags, painted themselves white, and wearing signs. One read: “Sold our fresh air,” and another “Act now. Don’t live a life of regret”.

Slough Observer:

Tina Quadrino, chairwoman of Maidenhead Great Park, spoke to the supporters before councillors approved increasing the council’s air quality monitoring regime, which was against officer recommendations who urged members to vote for the status quo.

She said: “The council could extend its air quality monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 but this would incur a significant additional cost at a time of financial challenge and the need to target resources effectively towards priority areas.

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“So, monitoring the air that we breathe is not a priority area while [the council] builds the hell out of our town centre.

“And yet, the actual cost of this equipment potentially is something like 50p per person per year. The cost of not doing it could be someone’s life.”

Slough Observer:

Ms Quadrino also said the group is considering going to the court of appeal to have their legal challenge against the borough local plan heard but could not reveal further details.