A 'ROOT and branch' review to tackle the borough's most polluted road has been promised by the council leader, after it was revealed to be in his ward.

Earlier this month, the News reported how the Halesowen Road in Netherton had one of the worst air pollution rates in the country after a Friends of the Earth investigation.

Council leader councillor Qadar Zada has now ordered officers to identify what can be done to make the air cleaner in Netherton.

Cllr Zada, who is ward councillor for Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews, said: "The levels of air pollution on Halesowen Road are something I have been raising as an issue for more than four years now.

"It is particularly close to home for me as a ward councillor and I know it is an issue my residents are worried about.

"In the light of the recent report now is the time to take action to reverse this worrying trend. We need to do all we can, for children and future generations, to make Netherton a cleaner and healthier place to live.”

The air pollution hot spot at the junction of Northfield Road and Halesowen will be reviewed to see how the traffic flow can be improved.

Traffic signals, right turns and pedestrian crossings will also be analysed to see the impact they are having on vehicle flow and air pollution.

Four mobile air sensors will also be used in schools to teach youngsters about how to reduce air pollution. Pupils will be able to measure the level of pollution in the air around their schools, and compare that level to days in which their parents have agreed not to drive them to school.

Councillor Cathy Bayton, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "Dudley Council is committed to improving the quality of the air that we all breathe in the borough, and especially in areas such as schools where there are large concentrations of children.

"We are therefore launching this project to help children, teachers and parents understand how they can contribute to improving air quality in the vicinity of the borough’s schools.

"Dudley Council can’t improve the air quality without the help and support of everyone who lives and works in our borough.

"Each and every one of us has a responsibility to do our best to reduce car use, turn engines off while stationary, ride a bike or walk where possible and utilise public transport – especially looking forward to the improvements in buses and the tram network in the future.

"The issue is not simply about pollution in the air, it’s about the health and wellbeing of our community, especially the children.”