A NEW report could nail the myth that pollution in the North-East is responsible for poor air quality.

Five councils in the region have joined together to assess the air quality in response to the Government's National Air Quality Strategy, published earlier this year.

The strategy sets out objectives which local authorities have to meet, for levels of seven of the most common pollutants, which are mostly caused by exhausts and industrial emissions.

Stockton, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland councils joined forces to assess whether the national objectives could be met, over the next five years, in areas where the public may be exposed to pollution.

A spokesman for the five councils said: "The review and assessment exercise, carried out by the five Tees Valley Councils, concluded that air quality in most parts of the Tees Valley already meets Government air quality objectives set to be achieved by years 2003 to 2205, but further improvement is expected.

"One of the problems with air quality is public perception, and this review is hoping to dispel that myth."

Action is being taken on a national level to reduce emissions from vehicle exhausts, and local transport policies in the region are aiming to cut the use of cars for most short and commuter journeys.

Industries, many of which operate in the Tees Valley area, are also heavily regulated.

Copies of the review report have been put in libraries in the five council areas, and residents are being asked to comment on it.

Suggestions for improvements can be sent to councils until the middle of December.

People's views will be taken into consideration for future polices on reducing pollution.

Earlier this year, the Environment Agency issued warnings to asthma sufferers and other Middlesbrough residents to stay indoors as smog settled