AIR pollution levels in parts of Llandeilo are almost twice EU guidance levels.

A report drawn up by Carmarthenshire Council says a bypass is desperately needed to divert traffic away from the town.

Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are so high in Llandeilo and some parts of Ffairfach they have been declared an air quality management area.

EU guidance says levels of NO2 should not exceed 40 milligrams per cubic metre but it exceeded 70 on some parts of Rhosmaen Street during monitoring last year.

Readings taken when the street was closed for three months for essential gas mains work earlier this year saw pollution levels drop.

But they almost doubled on Bridge Street and Church Street which were diversion routes.

At an environmental and public protection scrutiny committee on Wednesday councillors and officers highlighted the need for a bypass in Llandeilo to help reduce pollution.

Councillor Colin Evans said: “Some of this data is quite worrying. There are some five occurrences where the results are over 70 milligrams per cubic metre, nearly twice the EU cut off point.” Philip Davies, head of public protection for Carmarthenshire Council said: “There is the possibility of a bypass being created to relieve it.”

Mr Davies said a new bypass for Llandeilo would have a positive affect on the level of air pollution in the town.

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