HIGH levels of air pollution saw Knutsfordians coughing, spluttering and wheezing their way around their daily grind last week.

Not that this is any different to the daily lot of Knutsfordians who suffer from higher than normal levels of asthma.

The Knutsfordian knows these high levels are not new as the geography of the town, low lying and surrounded by plenty of water, is part of the problem.

However, The Knutsfordian notes the ever increasing traffic levels, never-ending roadworks, diversions, and events attracting more and more visitors by car, only exacerbate the problem.

Knutsford Town Plan identified unacceptably high levels of traffic pollution on Manchester Road some five years ago.

Their objective is to “improve the air quality in and around Knutsford”.

The matter remains ‘outstanding’.

Meanwhile more and more developers put forward plans to build more and more houses.

This week plans were submitted to knock down Heath Lodge and Heath Croft on Parkgate Lane and replace them with 14 new houses.

The Knutsfordian notes this is but a stone’s throw from the 200 houses Tatton Estate Management now have permission to build on land north of the Parkgate Industrial Estate.

Traffic problems are always mentioned when Cheshire East determines planning applications.

However The Knutsfordian notes there is never a solution proposed to ease these problems and improve the health of Knutsfordians who continue to cough, splutter and wheeze.

PS The Knutsfordian recently opined about beautifying King Street as a fitting tribute to the memory of Laurie Burton and his commitment and hard work for the town.

The Knutsfordian hoped this would lead to a proper update on the King Street enhancement scheme (backed by £30,000 of Knutsfordians’ taxpayer money).

Sadly, the only response to date was on the twitter when Clr Malloy tweeted: “I can assure you @KnutsfordTP (Knutsford Town Plan) are still working on King Street, sadly the wheels turn very slowly at CEC”.

The Knutsfordian is not getting any younger.

PPS Still on the twitter, The Knutsfordian asked what was bothering Knutsfordians.

He yawned when the Town Mayor’s new PA trotted out “Maybe tell us who they are?!”, but perked up at the question from @ace1mum who asked “Why are the promote knutsford forum minutes and meetings not available?” A good question.

Meabnwhuile, @yells1984 tweeted they were bothered by ‘People not cleaning up after their dogs!’ As The Knutsfordian de-dogs his brogues after a stroll across The Heath, he can but concur.