Dorchester residents complain about air quality

People in a West Dorset town have complained to local authorities about the air quality in the area.

Residents of Dorchester say the levels of pollution are above acceptable standards and could potentially damage their health.

Indeed, a recent study by the German Research Centre for Environmental Health found that exposure to poor air quality in areas of built-up traffic can make people more susceptible to heart attacks.

The pollution in Dorchester has been partly attributed to the geography of the land, as traffic often has to stop and start in order to negotiate the roads.

Councillor Tim Harries told the Dorset Echo that he hopes this could encourage the local authority to invest in more pedestrianised spaces in problem areas.

"The sooner we get on with it, the better," he commented.

"Anybody who lives or works in Dorchester will know about the traffic fumes from the cars that queue up with their engines running."

Councillor Harries added that this could lead to more local officials choosing to support the Dorchester Transport and Environment Plan, which contains various strategies to help the town become greener.