A study analysing pollution in London has uncovered Islington as one of the worst affected areas in the capital.
Last month, CentricLab – a Clerkenwell science start-up that campaigns for “health justice” – published its Urban Health Index. It combines environmental data and government deprivation data to showcase the capital’s health inequities.
With more than six hundred negative socio-environmental factors on their “environmental and psychological stressors” digital map, Finsbury Park was ranked lowest ward in the borough with a score of 612.
Meanwhile, a further nine wards have a “poor” rating: Canonbury, Caledonian, Bunhill, Holloway, Junction, Highbury West, Finsbury Park, Mildmay, St. Peter’s, and Clerkenwell.
Other wards were graded as “moderate”, with Highbury East beating its neighbours to the top. Data for St. Mary’s was omitted from CentricLab’s analysis.
Air, noise and light pollution were calculated to factor in environmental effects, whilst accessibility to greenery and continual industrial works – among other indicators – are recorded to calculate a ward’s stress level, a method to calculate wellbeing.
The publication comes after controversial plans to roll out People Friendly Streets in Clerkenwell, announced last month by the Council. The changes will see pedestrian-only roads and traffic cameras built in an effort to make “one of London’s oldest public spaces… safer, greener, healthier area for all”.
Some locals have not been receptive to these changes. Ann Brett told Islington Now: “Since the inept council closed all the side roads all the noise and pollution is now on main roads. Even a child could work that one out.”
CentricLab have been approached for comment.
