ONE of this year's May election candidates is calling for more to be done on air quality in the region.

Cllr Dan Boatright, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats on May 6, said air pollution in Pershore and Pinvin needs to be dealt with.

Cllr Boatright has been out with an air pollution sensor monitoring the levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other particles. The sensor shows the Air Pollution Index, which is the same metric used by the government and World Health Organisation to communicate the level of risk air pollution is creating in a given area.

He said: "Since I was elected to Wychavon District Council in May 2019, residents have repeatedly expressed concern about the levels of pollution in the area, with more large lorries driving through our town and villages.

"We have also seen a rise in slow traffic and vehicles idling on our main roads as we have come out of lockdown. So I was keen to collect data to determine see the scale of the issue.

"So far the data has been alarming, with 'very high' and 'high' levels of pollution found in spots along Station Road, Broad Street and High Street, Pershore, and in Main Road in Pinvin.

"People have rightly had concerns which must be addressed. Currently there is not enough monitoring of our air quality and we need to do more to reduce the impact on our health.

"Even Moderate air pollution can result in increased health risks but Very High levels can have an immediate effect on people with lung problems. With Covid having a significant impact on lung health and the pandemic ongoing, air pollution needs to be tackled."

"I will continue to monitor the pollution in the area after the election, will certainly be looking to fund more of these sensors and will use this information to help promote positive change so that we can all have cleaner air."

The government is beginning to trial clean air zones in an attempt to combat pollution in towns and cities across the UK. Under the scheme, automatic number plate recognition cameras are installed on all roads leading into the zone, and vehicle number plates will be checked against a DVLA database.

Motorists with non-compliant, chargeable vehicles – including those from outside the UK – must declare and pay for their journey online or they will receive a penalty charge notice.