TRAFFIC pollution is so bad on two congested town centre roads that Barnsley Council is ready to take action.

But it will be done in a way that "minimises any negative perceptions" which might harm 'Remaking Barnsley' development projects.

Homes on Harborough Hill Road and Burton Road are exposed to fumes which exceed the safe levels. Air quality tests showed there are high levels of nitrogen dioxide - a gas which can cause lung damage, shortness of breath and chest pains.

In a bid to tackle the pollution the council's cabinet will next week declare the zones 'air quality management areas'. Harborough Hill is already dubbed 'Death Row' because of high cancer rates among residents. Julie Exley, 48, lives opposite the PC World roundabout and is concerned.

Her partner Sandra Grainger had a throat operation this year and Julie thinks it could be linked to pollution. She said: "We never have the front windows open because we don't want it all coming in. I've lived here ten years and when we moved in there were only two lanes at the front of the house, now there's four.

"Traffic is always stopping and starting, it's ridiculous - it's like living on a motorway."

Barnsley's pollution survey results were sent to the government's environment department which advised the whole town centre area be made an AQMA. But the council favours smaller zones. A cabinet report states: "Adoption of this scenario minimises any negative perceptions associated with declaration of areas larger than the zone of exceedence of the government air quality objective, such as any potential perception of blight."

It says the homes affected are those on the kerbside on the uphill sections of Harborough Hill Road and Burton Road.

Dr Paul Redgrave, director for public health, said everything possible should be done to reduce traffic fumes because heavy traffic is linked to respiratory problems. "Levels of nitrogen dioxide in air quality management areas in Barnsley are experienced in many other areas of the UK, often across much larger urban areas.

"While levels of pollution experienced near to roadside at Harborough Hills warrant further attention, they are not so excessive as to cause major health based concerns."