CONCERNED members of Wyre Forest Friends of the Earth have called for tougher action to be taken on air pollution after carrying out tests in the district.

The group used diffusion tubes at nine sites in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley over a four week period in July and August to test for toxic gas nitrogen dioxide.

And they found that seven of the sites had levels of the gas that were above or close to the legal limit of 40µg/m3.

Some of the areas were well known for poor air quality such as the Horsefair and Welchgate but they also discovered worrying levels in Bewdley Road, near the shops, and at the Junction of Hoo Road and Comberton Hill.

Wyre Forest District Council said regular checks are carried out across the area and a number of measures had been implemented to try to safeguard and improve the air quality for communities.

Dave Finch, coordinator of Wyre Forest Friends of the Earth, said: “For years the council has been producing regular reports on the state of the air we breathe yet the level of pollution remains stubbornly high.

“I am particularly concerned about the health of young children in schools and nurseries close to or within polluted areas.

“The government should bring in measures to deter diesel use but local councils can do a lot to reduce road traffic by improving conditions for walking and cycling and better public transport.

“The proposed 6,000 extra houses in Wyre Forest will lead to even worse air quality unless we take action now. We need a tough plan for clean air everywhere”.

Councillor Juliet Smith, cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection said their tests are carried out in line with strict Defra guidance and Local Air Quality Management Regime.

She said: “Results of monitoring – which are publicly available on the Worcestershire Regulatory Services website – have not raised any significant concerns in Bewdley Road or Hoo Brook Link Road.

“We are aware of raised levels at Comberton Hill and as a matter of course advise planning officers to consider the impact on air quality of any future developments, even though levels have not remained consistently elevated over the last four years.

She added: “We have produced an Air Quality Action Plan setting out all measures being considered and progressed in relation to air quality at key locations.

“We are also pushing forward with the Churchfields Masterplan which should create significant improvement to air quality in the Horsefair and we are also working closely with elected members and the County Council to bring about improvements in Bewdley.”