Last month, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) released its annual air quality update – the latest statistics are toxic and have inspired much fiery debate, not unlike the wood burning stoves at the centre of the resulting controversy. Councils are left, as usual, trying to bring about a reduction in pollution without an adequate UK Government led plan and without sufficient funds.

Defra's report reveals that particulate pollution (PM) is not just rising but has breached legal limits. Microscopic PM is one of the deadliest air pollutants, responsible for tens of thousands of premature deaths in the UK and linked to life-changing health conditions in children and adults of all ages.