CAMPAIGNERS concerned about the levels of air pollution in Thrupp gathered in London Road this morning.

It comes after results showed air pollution levels were above the legal limit and higher than parts of Bristol city centre.

Residents have raised concerns over the issue after an air monitor placed in London Road showed levels of nitrogen dioxide at 40.3µg/m3 - above the legal limit of 40µg/m3 - and higher than parts of Bristol city centre.

James Milroy, who placed the air monitor in London Road for two weeks in November, said: "For some time residents of Brimscombe and Thrupp have been concerned at the levels of air pollution along the A419.

"The smell lingers over quite a wide area and it is very unpleasant.

"We need urgent action to clean up our air and especially to cut the number of vehicles on the road.

"Air pollution is not good news for anyone suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems.

"It can even be responsible for cancers and heart disease.

"There are a number of residents who feel their conditions are the direct result of air pollution in the area.

"As usual it is the most vulnerable in our society like children and the elderly who are most at risk."

Concerns over air pollution in Thrupp have surfaced since a major fire at the Nu-Pro aerospace and defence industries factory at Griffin Mill off London Road in July, 2014.

Thrupp Environmental Action Group has been set up to discuss concerns around air pollution in the area since the fire.

Heavy traffic in London Road, the geography of the area and pollution from factories in the area is thought to contribute towards the high levels.

Amanda Hayman, who lives in Middle Road, Thrupp, believes her asthma has become worse since moving to the area around one year ago.

"It is really quite concerning," she said.

"There is a strong chemical smell like synthetics. It is so bad that you cannot sit in the garden.

"I would consider moving as it is not good for my health."

Cllr Simon Pickering, chairman of Stroud District Council's environment committee, said levels of air pollution across the district are being monitored but warned against complacency.

He said that the district council would continue to invest in infrastructure to support cycling and non-motorised transport to bring down the levels of air pollution.

"It is a concern and we should be moving towards electric vehicles and non-motorised transport," he said.

"The geography of the valleys in Thrupp means that levels will be high but we should not be complacent."

Visit the Thrupp Environmental Action Group on Facebook to find out more and discuss the issue.