THE Forest of Dean District Council is seeking the help of residents in an effort to cut Lydney's above-benchmark air pollution.

In accordance with national guidelines the council declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in Lydney in July 2010, after environmental health staff identified that the pollutant nitrogen dioxide was just above ideal levels in High Street, Hill Street and Newerne Street, and part of Bream Road.

Nitrogen dioxide may decrease lung function and increase the risk of respiratory symptoms over time.

Options to help improve the air quality in the area have been identified and now local people are being asked for their views on these options, says the council.

Cllr Martin Quaile, cabinet member for the environment, said: "Although it may be surprising to have an AQMA in the Forest of Dean, nitrogen dioxide levels are just over the threshold but we still have to look at it.

"We aim to produce an action plan that will set out how the council will reduce the nitrogen dioxide levels in Lydney. Options include traffic management, new link roads, vehicle restrictions, improvements to public transport and promotion of cycling and walking initiatives.

"We'd encourage all residents and businesses to fill in the questionnaire and let us know their thoughts on the various options. What they say will be taken into account in the final Action Plan."

All residents and businesses in the AQMA will be sent a survey and information in the post. Council officers will also be at the Co-op store on September 11 and Tesco on September 18 between 11am and 3pm to answer questions from members of the public and hand out questionnaires.

The survey is also available on the council's website http://www.fdean">www.fdean. gov.uk/go/lydneyaqma or by calling 01594 810000. All questionnaires and feedback need to be submitted by October 19.