MORE than 120 adults are estimated to die annually in Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley due to air pollution.

The figures come in a study by the Centre for Cities which reveals that 1,921 North-West residents aged 25 and over lost their lives in 2017 because of toxins in the atmosphere caused by vehicle exhausts, coal fires and wood-burning stoves.

The report estimates one-in-23 deaths in the region’s large towns and cities are now linked to air pollution – 21 times the rate from traffic accidents.

The analysis says in Blackburn with Darwen 50 deaths (four per cent of the total) were due to air pollution and in Burnley the figure was 77 - 4.1 per cent.

Andrew Carter, Centre for Cities chief executive, said: “Politicians often talk tough on addressing air pollution but we need more action. People in the North-West should be at the centre of the fight against its toxic air and councils should take steps, including charging people to drive in town centres and banning wood-burning stoves.”

Green Party councillor Andy Fewings, who represents Burnley’s Trinity ward, said: “If 77 people were shot dead on the streets of the borough every year there’d be uproar and an immediate response from government. Yet silent killers like air pollution go completely unnoticed and unchecked. Enough is enough.”

Cllr Damian Talbot, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s public health boss, said: “We are pleased to see the borough’s figures show improvement and the number of air-pollution related deaths has fallen which reflects all the hard work being done. We have prioritised work around air quality.

“Work is due to start to tackle an air pollution hotspot at the Blackamoor Junction to address congestion and reduce emissions and major improvements in the air quality of bus services have been delivered by Pennine Reach.”

He revealed that last year the council revoked air quality management orders for Darwen Town Centre, Witton and Earcroft - because of sustained improvements in their air quality.

A Burnley Council spokesman said: “The main source of air pollutants of concern in our borough are mainly associated with traffic, fuel combustion, and the construction industry.

“Although we don’t have statutory responsibility for our roads, we work closely with the county council and government to improve air quality."