Two Northampton pollution hotspots could have their special status removed in 2027 if improvements in air quality continue, a new report has revealed.

Bradshaw Street, close to North Gate Bus Station, and St James are among three remaining Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in West Northamptonshire – all of which are now located in Northampton.

West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) latest Air Quality Annual Status Report found that air quality continued to improve throughout 2025, with no locations recording nitrogen dioxide levels above the national limit.

The council says that if improvements are sustained and nationally set standards continue to be met until 2027, it will be able to seek the revocation of the Bradshaw Street and St James AQMAs.

Library picture from February last year as clean air campaigners called on WNC to take action to reduce pollution in the town

placeholder image — Library picture from February last year as clean air campaigners called on WNC to take action to reduce pollution in the town

The third remaining AQMA is outside the Cock Inn on Harborough Road.

The number of designated pollution areas has fallen significantly since the beginning of 2024, when seven AQMAs relating to nitrogen dioxide were in place across West Northamptonshire.

Four were revoked in May after meeting national standards for more than three consecutive years – Watling Street in Towcester and Victoria Promenade, Campbell Square and St Michaels in Northampton.

Air pollution has previously proved a contentious issue in the town. In February 2025, dozens of campaigners from the 1,000 Voices movement demonstrated outside The Guildhall calling for greater action over what they described as the town’s “toxic air”.

WNC says investment in schemes designed to reduce pollution has contributed to improvements.

These include funding for 71 new electric buses operating on some of Northampton’s busiest routes, which the council says will help improve air quality around Harborough Road, St James and North Gate Bus Station.

A scheme to install more than 3,000 electric vehicle charging points across West Northamptonshire was also launched this summer.

Councillor Andrew Last, WNC cabinet member for HR, corporate and regulatory services, said: “Cleaner air means healthier families, safer streets and stronger communities.

“We’re really proud of the progress so far, but we know there is still work to do to improve air quality in several of our communities.

“We’re committed to continuing to make those improvements so that every resident can enjoy the benefits of cleaner, safer air, now and in the future.”