Air quality in Widnes bad for asthmatics

The air quality of two areas in Widnes have dropped to an extent that they are aggravating conditions for asthmatics.

According to the Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News, Halton Borough Council has confirmed that the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels on Milton Road and Gerrard Street are too high, which is having a "chronic" effect on lungs.

The local authority says these poor air quality results are likely to be caused by exhaust fumes in the areas, as these roads are prone to queuing traffic.

As a result of the findings, the two zones will be declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) from the beginning of March 2011.

This helps the local authority set objectives in order to reduce the amount of NO2 released into the community, as part of a Local Air Quality Action Plan.

Other regions that have been declared AQMAs include nearby St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council and Liverpool City Council.

The publication reported a council spokesman as saying: "The council is happy to listen to any concerns or comments people may have in relation to air quality in the borough as a whole."

Posted by Claire Manning