DIRTY air caused by traffic on the A590 is leading to respiratory problems for people, a councillor is warning.

Norman Bishop-Rowe, of Ulverston Town Council, said air pollutions levels were higher than they should be and were a heath concern for residents.

Cllr Bishop-Rowe said: “There is substantial traffic beyond Booths and Swarthmoor.

“Evidence conducted by Environmental Health suggests that the number of Nitrogen Dioxide particles on the A590 on Canal Street in Ulverston is 60 particles per million.

“When the national guideline should be 40.

“This is quite concerning but not surprising when you look at how much traffic filters through the town.

“I know people who live on that street who suffer with respiratory problems and think it may be related to all the traffic.

“I definitely believe there is a link there.

“This is why our Clean Air policy is so important.

“We’re trying to get as many cars and buses in the town to turn their engines off and lower air pollution levels.”

Cllr Bishop-Rowe is appealing to highways chiefs to review the sequencing of traffic lights in the town to tackle rising air pollution levels.

“The traffic lights aren’t operating properly at the moment,” he said.

“A fault has been found on the lights outside the Blue Light Hub which suggests the red is on longer than required.

“Cllr James Airey has fought for these lights to be working properly.”

Rising pollution levels on the A590 means that a bridge across Morecambe Bay is necessary, he said.

A meeting of Ulverston Town Council on Monday night is due to hear the evidence presented by Mr Bishop-Rowe.

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: “Essential road repair works can have the unfortunate effect of creating traffic and congestion, particularly around peak times in a morning and early evening. We do our best to mitigate against this but with the volume of vehicles on the road it can be difficult.

“Road transport is a significant source of air pollution which is emitted both from exhausts, brake and tyre wear as well as road surface abrasion.

“Most people will not be affected by short-term peaks in ambient air pollution but some, such as those with underlying respiratory conditions should consider avoiding areas where congestion occurs.”