AIR pollution hotspots in Oldbury are getting cleaner, council chiefs have claimed ahead of a public consultation on the issue this summer.

Sandwell Council is to launch a public consultation for people across the borough's six towns to have their say on plans to improve air quality.

The Halesowen News reported last month that several sites in Oldbury and Blackheath exceeded acceptable nitrogen dioxide levels, according to Friends of the Earth figures.

Among the hotspots were five different points of the A457 Birmingham Road in Oldbury.

The council says that work to reduce pollution on that route is proving successful but admits more needs to be done.

A statement said: "While pollution levels have fallen significantly since the 1970s, there are certain parts of Sandwell where nitrogen dioxide levels are too high.

"The council monitors roadside air quality at more than 100 locations and the hotspots are where there is a lot of congestion.

"From better traffic signalling to car and bike sharing schemes, the council is committed to cutting congestion, reducing emissions and encouraging walking and cycling.

"On two key roads – A41 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, and A457 Birmingham Road, Oldbury – government targets for reducing nitrogen dioxide are expected to be reached this year.

"This is thanks to improving traffic signals and retrospectively fitting buses to make them cleaner."

A 12-week consultation will launch in June, giving Sandwell people the chance to comment on and shape the council’s latest air quality plans.

The survey will be available online, at workshops in each of the six towns and at Sandwell Local centres.

There will also be interactive web content for people to see what is happening with pollution levels in their area.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “We are serious about improving air quality, it’s really important for our residents’ health.

"We’re looking forward to hearing people’s views on our plans in the consultation this summer.

“Changes in vehicle technology are helping but, like many areas nationwide, we need to see nitrogen dioxide levels come down further in some places.

“We’re currently carrying out a study to confirm the worst polluted areas, so we can prioritise action in those hotspots.

“We’re also looking at how we can reduce pollution from council vehicles and promoting walking, cycling and car sharing.

“And we’re working with Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority to make sure people in Sandwell are not adversely affected by Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone which could displace more polluting vehicles into Sandwell.”