A REPORT on the air quality in Northwich shows that there are higher levels of pollutants that affect people with respiratory problems.

Industrial processes in the area are the cause of elevated levels of the pollutant PM10, according to the annual progress report of Cheshire's Local Transport Plan for 2001-2006.

The substance, which consists of particles smaller than 10 microns in size, usually enters the body through inhalation.

Inhalation of air containing high levels of PM10 has been linked with a range of conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function and even premature death.

The pollutant is known to be emitted from industrial processes, including incineration.

The report has provided fresh ammunition for campaigners fighting to prevent an incinerator being built in the area.

Vale Royal borough councillor Ann McEllin, a member of the group CHAIN (Cheshire Anti-Incinerator Network), said the report showed that Cheshire County Council should not be looking to locate an incinerator in Northwich.

She said: "An incinerator would only exacerbate the pollution problem. It looks like they are deliberately choosing areas that are heavily industrialised because they believe that people will be used to the fact that industry is there.

"You don't see them wanting to put them in Wilmslow or Macclesfield."

Cheshire county councillor George Mainwaring said it would be future generations that would be affected if an incinerator were built in Northwich.

He said: "We've got to consider the health problems. You can't test an incinerator until you've built it. No one can guarantee that they are safe and until we reach that point we shouldn't even be contemplating building them."

A concerned Northwich resident said there were already major respiratory health problems in the North West.

He said: "On top of all this, the council is now prepared to add air pollution from incineration of waste. Surely we've suffered enough in the Northwich area?"

rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk