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A "substantial" improvement to air quality has been recorded in a Leicestershire town centre.

Lutterworth's status as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) has been revoked, Harborough District Council has confirmed.

Covering Market Street, High Street and Rugby Road, the status was declared in 2001 due to the air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide being exceeded.

Following six years of compliance with the air quality standards, the district council's cabinet approved its revocation on Monday.

A council report said the authority worked with Leicestershire County Council to install a gating system, which managed the flow of heavy good vehicles through Lutterworth to minimise the stop and start of those vehicles.

The report added: "This intervention, and the general increased uptake of electric vehicles both contribute to the reduction of local levels of pollution.

Elaine Bird, head of regulatory services at the authority, said she was "delighted" with the "substantial and sustained improvements to air quality" in Lutterworth.

She added: "This does not mean however that air pollution is no longer of concern and work is ongoing across our district to ensure cleaner, safer air for all.”

Air pollution levels in the Lutterworth area will continue to be monitored.

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