The eight areas of Wirral with worst air pollution revealed in new data

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A council study revealed the air quality in Wallasey, Tranmere, Birkenhead, Seacombe, Bromborough, Bebington, Rock Ferry, Port Sunlight, Upton, Liscard and more.

Data published by Wirral Council shows the eight worst areas for air pollution across the borough as the local authority looks to improve air quality. Despite higher levels in some areas, nowhere currently breaches UK guidelines, although some do breach the lower threshold set by the World Health Organisation.

The local authority currently monitors 56 areas for nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, two pollutants linked to vehicles, industry, fires, and other sources. Readings in a number of areas saw increases in 2023 compared to 2022 include Leasowe Road in Wallasey, Woodchurch Road, Singleton Avenue in Tranmere, Canning Street in Birkenhead, Vernon Road in Seacombe, Morland Avenue in Bromborough, Pulford Road in Bebington, and Ionic Street in Rock Ferry.

The eight areas with the highest pollution levels are:

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  • New Chester Road in Port Sunlight in two locations
  • Arrowe Park Road in Upton
  • Woodchurch Road, Canning Street, Bolton Road East, St Albans Road in Liscard
  • Singleton Avenue, in Prenton

However several of these areas like New Chester Road have seen a decrease in the last year though levels of nitrogen oxide on that road are still more than three times World Health Organisation guidelines.

A report brought before an environment and transport committee meeting this week said: “Air pollution can affect everyone and can have negative health impacts from pre-birth to old age”, adding: “Short term exposure to air pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure can cause respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, dementia, diabetes, and can affect foetal development.”

World Health Organisation air quality guidance said there should not be more than 10 micrograms a year in a cubed metre of air of nitrogen dioxide on average over a year and five and 15 micrograms a year for smaller and larger particulate matter. UK guidelines are 40 micrograms per metres cubed a year for both types of pollutant but there is a target to reduce this to 10 micrograms by 2040.

Real time sensors at five sites across Wirral showed pollution levels above World Health Organisation guidelines with the highest being in Liscard and Poulton and then the lowest being in Upton. However because levels haven’t breached national targets, no management areas around air quality are needed on Wirral.

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However the council report said the local authority has taken a number of steps to improve air quality including road safety plans, strategies to encourage walking and cycling, reviewing the council’s fleet of vehicles, starting to use hydrogenated vegetable oil for bin collection vehicles, and looking to bring in a blanket smoke control order for the borough.

Committee chair Cllr Liz Grey said it would be good for the local authority to request more monitoring in certain areas where there’s been complaints once a spending freeze on some council services is lifted. Pointing to 2040 targets to reduce pollution, she suggested a project similar to a £10m one to introduce new cycle lanes and walking routes put forward for Bebington may be needed for Liscard in the future.

Air pollution from car exhausts.Air pollution from car exhausts.
Air pollution from car exhausts. | Nady/stock.adobe

Officers said any increase in resource would be done on a case by case basis and subject to budgets. They were also looking at tapping into voluntary organisations and other ways to increase testing.

Cllr Allan Brame raised questions about why Woodchurch Road had seen a 12.4% increase in air pollution. Officers said they did not know why the increase had occurred but hope future readings won’t show a further increase.

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