RESIDENTS surrounded by soaring levels of pollution in the centre of St Albans are hoping an imminent meeting with county and district leaders will end their on-going battle for action.

Roger and Gillian Talbot set up an action group with other residents in Holywell Hill in a desperate bid to get the authorities to hear their plea for help.

Studies carried out by the homeowners showed they were living in an area polluted by dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide.

They have been calling on their district councillors and the county's highways team to reduce the number of cars which run through the centre of St Albans - but feel their words have often fallen on deaf ears.

Speaking to the Review today Mrs Talbot of Holywell Hill said her husband has been invited to a meeting with the leader of the district council, Councillor Robert Donald, along with highways officers, to discuss the possibility of pedestrianising St Peter's Street.

Mrs Talbot said: “I'm not saying this will make a massive difference but it will tremendously reduce the amount of pollution in the area.

“The council keep coming up with words and promises which have been put back for the last four years.

“This is quite a crucial time for the council. If the levels of pollution continue to rise they face being fined by the EU. They have a duty to protect their residents.”

The residents fear with the re-development of Westminster Lodge and the rolling launch of Butterfly World in Chiswell Green more and more tourists will come into the district and then visit St Albans city centre by passing through Holywell Hill.

Mrs Talbot added: “By the summer St Albans could come to a standstill. The traffic will probably be gridlocked back to the Butterfly World.

“Both councils need to make a decision.”

On Tuesday, December 8, the district council's cabinet will meet to discuss an action plan which has been drawn up to address the problems raised by the residents.