WORK could begin in September to improve traffic and air quality issues on a polluted Leominster road.

Leominster Town Council's highways and planning committee were briefed last month on proposals developed by Herefordshire Council and Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) to improve the Bargates junction.

Pollution levels in the area have long been known for exceeding the national target.

It is monitored on a monthly basis using small plastic test tubes, attached to the façades of local houses and then sent to an accredited laboratory for testing.

Leominster Town Council heard how the proposals, which had been ratified by ward members, would involve changes to the way the traffic lights operate.

Currently, the lights are timed but the new scheme would learn the traffic flows and re-programme itself to improve traffic flows and help reduce queuing.

Crossings would remain at current locations but would be 'significantly improved' with tactile paving and DDA approved signals.

Leominster Town Council agreed to support the proposal to resurface the junction over a three to four night period, to try to reduce disruption as much as possible.

The junction would need to be closed, requiring a diversion to be put in place.

The town council also requested that an assessment was carried out before and after the revised junction installation to assess whether the new system had improved the traffic flow and air.