New bid to get rid of town's air pollution

The council wants Masterton to get rid of their smoky open fires in favour of approved heating appliances.

Masterton remains the only catchment in the Wellington region that exceeds air pollution limits over winter, prompting Greater Wellington to extend their home insulation scheme.

The council wants Masterton to get rid of their smoky open fires in favour of approved heating appliances.

Under their "Warm Greater Wellington Insulation Scheme," homeowners can put the cost on to their rates bill.

Chairwoman Fran Wilde said the council was concerned about the detrimental effects of smoke.

"Air quality testing has shown that central Masterton is the only catchment in the region that is under the National Environmental Standard for Air Quality, with air pollution regularly exceeding the limits during winter months," said Ms Wilde.

"The cause has been identified as largely coming from domestic fireplaces, particularly from old wood burners.

"We want to encourage residents to help clean up the air by replacing the old fires with newer approved clean heating appliances, and now they will be able to take advantage of a low interest funding package which is repaid with their rates."

The Greater Wellington scheme will allow Masterton residents to access up to $5000 to help fund any new clean heating appliance that has been approved by the Ministry for the Environment.

Repayments over a nine-year period would work out at less than $15 a week.

-Details can be obtained by phoning 0800 496 734.