Unite Community East London writes to Ilford Recorder re the Tesco Toxic Towers

 Many thanks to Unite Community East London's continued support. After sending members to the High Court and writing to the Tesco Chief Executive, the branch has written the letter to the Recorder below. The support of the branch is much appreciated.

Unite Community East London's members are mainly retired and disabled, many with grandchildren. Planning permission has been given to Tesco's to develop their Goodmayes site with Weston Homes , building 1,000 plus flats plus a primary school. This will add to the already poor air quality on the High road where air monitors at Chadwell school regularly exceed safe limits. Acknowledging that there is an air pollution problem , all the flats facing the High road up to the 7th floor will be fitted with air filters, yet the primary school right next door to these flats will have no air filters at all putting young children at risk. Instead of the Council supporting the need for air filters, they do not accept this is a serious issue so concerned local residents are having to challenge the Council in court via a costly Judicial Review ! Government guidance to builders says : Filtration is the most effective solution currently available to remove health damaging airborne pollutants and maintain clean indoor air for school buildings located in air pollution hotspots. However the Council is seeking to stop this information from being put before the court. We urge the Council to change their position and support filters for the school to protect our local children, as we know pollution leads to respiratory problems and has caused the deaths of children with asthma. 

Sincerely East London Unite Community