AN action plan to cut pollution levels in a west Wiltshire town has received a mixed response following its release.

A Draft Air Quality Action Plan for Bradford on Avon was made public earlier this month.

The plan, which includes plans for a one-way system, a bypass and delivery restrictions, has been criticised by Liberal Democrat county councillor Malcolm Hewson, who branded the document "an excuse for inaction".

Mr Hewson said: "It is years since pollution was recognised as a problem in Bradford, a year and a half since district and county councils accepted there is a problem and a year since I wrote asking for progress towards an action-plan.

"Now, just a few days before the Government deadline, some sort of document has limped out.

"It contains no real options, no way forward and no prospect of a way forward for Bradford on Avon."

Conservative John Banks, who is standing as a candidate for a Bradford on Avon seat in the forthcoming county council elections, said he would make every effort to reduce pollution levels.

"I share the concerns of everyone in the town on the unacceptable increase of traffic and I support and welcome any action taken to help Bradford on Avon short or long term."

Nancy Webber, Labour's candidate for the same seat, was unavailable for comment.

Rachel Kent, from the district council's environmental services department, defended the plan and said pollution data was still being compiled and assessed.

"It's being run in accordance with Defra guidelines but because so much research work had to be done it has taken quite a while," she said.

"Wiltshire County Council has still got consultants working on the report.

"There have been delays so we did not get the full report in by March 31 (the Government's deadline). A better plan will go to Defra in the summer."