ENVIRONMENT chiefs are hoping to clear the air in Studley.

A recent survey carried out by Stratford District Council revealed part of the Alcester Road, including the Barley Mow island, has the most polluted air in the area.

The report also showed the quality of air in that part of Studley had not improved since the last time the survey was carried out in 2003.

"There is no industry in the area so all this pollution is coming from traffic," said Stratford District Councillor Hazel Wright, who represents Studley. "I think this is a real indication of why the village needed a bypass, a matter which has just been dismissed."

She added: "I am very concerned about this. I have a background in health and I know what the impact of poor air can be. But I would like to say the low quality of air is not sufficient to endanger public health."

She said the district council would now be putting together an action plan to try and improve air quality in the area.

"I think that it might actually be something that only the county council can deal with but it will be up to the district council to stimulate the action plan."

Parish council clerk Dot Mitchell added: "We are in the process of putting pressure on Warwickshire County Council, the highways agency and other relevant organisations to try and alleviate the traffic problems through Studley. We are suggesting either traffic calming measures or trying to have heavy goods vehicles using other routes to access the M42 and Birmingham.

"This is in the early stages but we will continue to try and make Studley a cleaner, safer and better place to live."