'Dangerous' levels of pollution in town

Studies have found levels of nitrogen dioxide levels near the junction of Colne Road and Briercliffe Road and are threatening the health of people in the area.

Now council chiefs are set to monitor the air quality in the area so they can try and tackle the problem.

Government guidelines say that nitrogen dioxide should be below 40 microgrammes per metre cubed of air by 2010.

Tests have been carried out by all local authorities since 2001 but results for pollutant levels in East Lancashire have been within defined limits.

However, tests in Duke Bar area carried out for the council by the University of West England show that levels of nitrogen dioxide were possibly exceeding legal levels - leading to the setting up of the Air Quality Monitoring Area (AQMA).

The report was completed in March and submitted to the Depart-ment for Education, Food and Rural Affairs.

Low level exposure to nitrogen dioxide may cause increased bronchial problems in some asthmatics, decreased lung function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and increased risk of respiratory infections, especially in children.

A council spokesman said: "As part of the statutory regime for monitoring air quality, district council's are required to follow a specific review and assessment process in relation to a number of specific air pollutants. An assessment had identified nitrogen dioxide as pollutants that required a detailed assessment'.

"As a consequence the council commissioned the additional report. It recommends detailed, permanent monitoring at this location."

He added: "The AQMA will be declared because of concerns pollutants may be present at levels that are of public health concern.

"Additional monitoring is required in order to monitor the level of pollutants and identify appropriate actions to protect public health."

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the executive and are set to approve £29,485 spending to buy roadside monitoring equipment.