Norwood and St Lukes Road are two of the most congested routes in Southport. Both roads carry high volumes of traffic through residential areas, have multiple sets of traffic lights and have houses with front room windows just a few metres from the road.

In the case of Norwood Rd, many young people also walk to school right next to these potentially high levels of airborne pollutants.

Air pollution is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer and is known to particularly affect the most vulnerable in society, including children, the elderly, and those with heart and lung conditions.

We are therefore insisting that - in addition to toxic nitrogen dioxide - fine, breathable, particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) is included in the study. This is no different to Sefton Council's tests on busy roads in Bootle and Crosby.

We need to know if residents and pedestrians are being regularly exposed to high levels of these harmful substances.  If Sefton Council refuse to test, we’ll never know the facts or be able to seek remedial solutions.