IT IS an idyllic Hampshire haven spanning hundreds of square miles.

But parts of the New Forest have exceeded European limits for levels of lethal nitrogen dioxide.

The stark figures were revealed in the latest report on air pollution from New Forest District Council.

It shows kerbside analysis of nitrogen dioxide hit an annual mean concentration of 43 milligrams per cubic metre in Lyndhurst in 2011.

The annual mean objective is 40 milligrams per cubic metre.

Euro MP Keith Taylor, a member of the Green Party, paid a visit to Lyndhurst to highlight potential health problems linked to air pollution in the area.

He told the Daily Echo: “I’m here to congratulate New Forest District Council for its achievement in reducing sulphur dioxide, which is an air pollutant, but at the same time, note that on Lyndhurst High Street the levels of nitrogen dioxide are above the safety limits from the EU.

“This is the year of air, according to our European colleagues. That’s because we are increasingly aware of the health impacts of air pollution.

continue reading Lyndhurst air pollution breaks safety limit From Bournemouth Echo.