A HEREFORDSHIRE Green Party councillor is calling for action over a Leominster air pollution ‘hot spot’ following a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice last week.

The court ruled against the UK Government over its failures to comply with EU air pollution legal limits following a case brought by ClientEarth.

Now, Councillor Felicity Norman wants action taken on the pollution levels on some of the county's busiest and most polluted roads.

Councillor Norman said: "For too long central and local government have been complacent in the face of rising traffic-generated air pollution.

"The authorities have been aware for many years that pollution levels in the vicinity of the Bargates traffic lights junction in Leominster exceed safe limits, and cause serious health problems, yet they have failed to implement measures that could reduce the problem, in spite of urgent calls for action. Similar problems exist in Edgar Street, Hereford, where action is also needed."

Following the ruling, Friends of the Earth is calling on the government to take the urgent steps needed to clean up Britain’s filthy air, and help prevent many of the tens of thousands of premature deaths every year caused by air pollution. The young, elderly and those with existing health problems are especially at risk.

In a statement, Marc Willimont, head of development management and environmental health, said: "The council continues to monitor nitrogen dioxide at monthly intervals from various locations in the vicinity of both the Hereford and Leominster air quality management areas.

"The boundaries for these areas are available on the Defra website."