HEREFORD now has three “green” bus shelters in a bid to try to improve air quality along busy roads in the city.

Herefordshire Council spent Government funding putting plants on top of three bus shelters in the city, which a councillor said shows the administration’s commitment to tackling a climate and ecological emergency.

The three shelters, in Yazor Road and Whitecross Road, have 16 different varieties of sedum plants, which have “many benefits for the environment”, on their roofs.

A council spokesperson said the plants would absorb carbon dioxide from cars and release oxygen, while their flowers are great for bees.

“The sedum plants can also filter fine dust particles and so help to purify air, cutting pollution levels, and they can help to capture rain water – all while bringing a little bit of nature into the city,” they said. 

Councillor John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “It’s marvellous to see the new sedum bus shelters in situ.

“They contribute to our efforts to tackle the climate and ecological emergency by absorbing CO2 and cutting air pollution, they’re great for bees and other pollinating insects – and with their blend of plants they look great too.

“We funded the shelters through the ‘greening the city’ strand of the accelerated towns fund monies, and have identified shelters in prominent places that needed replacing.

“I’d like to thank Externiture for making this possible. They have installed quality shelters and been flexible enough to deliver the project on schedule despite several obstacles, none of which were of their making.”

Herefordshire Council also launched a bus service improvement survey until Sunday, August 15.

“We need your views to help shape our bus service improvement plan, and therefore the future of safe, healthy transport that reflects the needs of local people,” Coun Harrington said.

The council said it was looking for people, even those who don’t use buses, to fill out the survey on its website.