ENVIRONMENTALISTS are calling on a council to clean up the air as they claim to have discovered alarming levels of pollution across the town.

Darlington Borough Council say they are committed to improving air quality and insist results from their air quality monitoring have consistently shown compliance with national objectives.

However, The Friends of the Earth say findings from their Citizen Science Investigation reveal pollution levels higher than the legal maximum, representing a threat to the health of the town’s residents, particularly those with respiratory problems.

The investigation saw thousands of people across the country monitor the quality of air where they live, with ten stations established to monitor pollution in Darlington.

Results from one month of monitoring found two areas – around Yarm Road and Broadway and at Woodland Road and Hollyhurst Road – had levels of pollution higher than the legal limit, while seven other areas had levels close to the maximum.

The council say their own monitoring – recorded over a longer period of time – shows levels falling “mostly within the low index band, where effects are unlikely to be noticed even by individuals who know they are sensitive to air pollutants.”

Campaigners took to the streets recently to call on the council to tackle the issue and establish ‘clean air zones’.

FoE member Matthew Snedker said: “We have been tracking air pollution in Darlington for some time and have challenged the council to draw up plans to cut air pollution and tackle the health effects of dirty air.

“I hope councillors responsible for the health of Darlington citizens will now listen to the evidence and take the necessary steps to give everyone clean air.”

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said the council had no need to declare an air quality management area in the town because it has consistently shown compliance with air quality objectives.

He added: “Whilst air quality in Darlington is generally good in public areas and complying with national air quality objectives, there is no complacency in this and the Council is committed to improving air quality.”

He said the council’s plans to improve air quality had been approved by Defra.