THE leader of the Green Party will be in the region later this week to highlight issues about air pollution.

Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, is visiting Durham to host an open meeting about the future of the city.

The event is being held in the debating chamber at the Durham Miners’ Association headquarters in Redhills, where the Durham Green Party will be setting out how the city could look if developed in a sustainable manner.

They want to develop a Durham Future City Plan, which will look at economic, housing, transport, environmental, food and social needs.

Ms Lucas will also be highlighting issues around nitrogen dioxide levels in Durham, particularly in the Nevilles Cross area, which is within the city’s air quality management area.

Durham County Council monitors levels of nitrogen dioxide from road traffic emissions, which are above European Union limits in some areas.

The air pollutant can cause respiratory problems.

The open meeting takes place on Thursday, November 8 between 5pm and 6.30pm.