Pollution kills around 20 Clydesdale people per year

Shocking statistics were released last week which claimed to show that around 2000 Scots die annually from respiratory illnesses arising out of the impure air we breath, day-in, day-out.

The report also identified certain hot spots around the country where, mainly due to concentrations of heavy traffic, these casualty rates are at their worst.

Most of these locations were in cities and major towns but one local politician said that Lanark should be included on that grim pollution danger list.

Even before his election to South Lanarkshire Council two years ago, Ed Archer had warned that the citizens of the Royal Burgh, living with a high density of heavy vehicle through-traffic, were at special risk.

He said: “If you want evidence of just how badly effected Lanark is by these traffic fumes, just take a look at the Steeple.

“If it’s doing that to the Steeple just a year or so after it was last re-surfaced, think what it’s doing to a Lanarkians lungs over a lifetime.”

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is out now. What’s your view? Write to the Editor Julie Currie, 3 High Street, Carluke, ML8 4AL, or email [email protected]