More Portsmouth sites to be monitored for air quality following government grant Â

The move by Portsmouth City Council comes after it was named as one of 10 local authorities being given cash as part of a reinvigorated battle for cleaner air.

Monitoring stations have been set up at Market Way and Alfred Road to give the council a better picture of air quality and ways they can improve it. 

Councillor Dave Ashmore, cabinet member for transport and the environment, said: '˜We take air quality in the city very seriously.

'˜Work is under way to make improvements and ensure the city is the best environment possible for people to live, work and visit.'

Announced last week, the government money will fund the city's plan to slash emissions from buses by retrofitting 400 of them with new technology to cut down harmful fumes.

Westminster has not said how much money will be going to Portsmouth nor has it given an exact time frame.  

As well as the proposal to retrofit buses with new tech, the council will also be working to drive down emissions city-wide.