CHESHIRE East Council’s Labour group has demanded ‘prompt action’ be taken on air quality.

The councillors believe that following the manipulation of data at CEC, swift movements should be made to declare air quality management areas in affected locations.

It is also pressing for an external investigation into the culture of the borough council.

Sam Corcoran, Labour leader for CEC, said: “A responsible Council that wished to protect its residents would act quickly to declare Air Quality Management Areas and put in place action plans to improve air quality.

“Instead Conservative councillors have repeatedly sought to downplay the issue.

“Sadly the Conservatives seem more interested in allowing developers to make millions out of housing applications than in addressing the worsening traffic congestion and air quality problems in towns across east Cheshire.”