People affected by air pollution may be able to breathe easier in future.

Havering Council’s cabinet is considering applying to TfL for up to £400,000 of funding to help it monitor air quality in the borough.

Air quality impacts on people who have lung diseases, asthma and heart disease, who may find that their symptoms become worse on days when the air pollution is higher.

The council says there has already been an 18per cent reduction in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) – from vehicles, industry and gas heaters - in Romford over the past five years.

It adds that Particulate Matter 10 microns (PM10) –harmful particles from diesel trucks, woodstoves, power plants and pollen- have been reduced by 11.5pc.

The new money would help to expand monitoring of air quality and take steps to cleaning it further.

Cllr Barry Tebbutt, cabinet member for environment, said: “We are very pleased with the figures and have worked hard to try to lower emissions in the borough, but we still have more to do.

“There are certain areas that we would like to monitor more closely and we are working on a number of initiatives to improve air quality.

“Vehicle emissions are of most concern in the borough and we are making improvements to encourage people to cycle and walk more and to use public transport.”

More information about air pollution can be found at www.havering.gov.uk.