COUNCILLORS in Monmouthshire will discuss the work being done to improve air quality after a county town was found to have the highest pollution levels in the region - with levels in other towns causing concern.

The World Health Organisation say that fine-particle air pollution levels in Chepstow exceed the 10 micrograms per cubic metre limit.

The estimated 12 micrograms per cubic metre recorded in the town between 2013 and 2015 suggests that Chepstow has higher concentrations of pollutants than London.

Monmouthshire County Council’s environmental health team will give a presentation to the strong communities select committee about the matter on Thursday.

“Generally, air quality in Monmouthshire is good,” says a report.

“However, there are some areas of concern in Usk, Chepstow, Monmouth and Abergavenny due to road transport emissions, where houses are close to busy or congested roads.

“Bridge Street in Usk and Hardwick Hill in Chepstow have exceeded the UK’s objective levels for nitrogen dioxide and have therefore been declared Air Quality Management Areas.”

Air pollution stems from a range of substances being introduced into the atmosphere from sources such as transport emissions.

It can cause both short-term and long-term effects on health, but also

on the wider environment.

The report adds: “The presentation will help gain further insight into

the work being done, the reasons why and future challenges to secure against potential increases in pollution arising from new developments, infrastructure, etc, and ensure that air quality improvements are long-lasting.”

Government statistics estimate that air pollution in the UK reduces the life expectancy of every person by an average of 7–8 months, with an associated cost of up to £20 billion each year.