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Homeowners on one of Wales' most polluted streets have been offered a funding boost from Welsh Government should their houses need to be demolished.

Caerphilly council is considering options to improve air quality on the A472 in Crumlin, where nitrogen dioxide levels from traffic are the highest in the UK outside of London.

Many residents of Woodside Terrace and three nearby properties have been reported to be in favour of an option to demolish their homes.

But some homeowners have expressed concern that the market price they would be offered for the compulsory purchase of their properties would not be sufficient to buy another in the same area.

(Image: Richard Swingler)

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, residents were reassured that the Welsh Government has confirmed money will be allocated to ensure they are not left out of pocket if their homes are demolished.

Councillor Eluned Stenner, cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: "The Welsh Government has subsequently confirmed that it will make adequate funding available for the purchase and demolition of properties should this prove necessary, including the potential for applying the value of a new similar property as opposed to market value of their house being demolished.

"This would address cabinet’s previous express concern that residents should not be placed in financial hardship."

Martin Brown, 71, has lived with his wife Pat on Woodside Terrace for about 50 years.

He said his property was valued at about £80,000 earlier this year.

Martin has previously spoken about his frustration with the traffic problem, and has insisted he would move out immediately if he was offered a fair price for his property.

"If they could put 50% on top of what they offered me that would get me a place," he said.

"I would be happy then I could find a place around this area. I don't want to move anywhere anyway. It's nice here. Cheaper than the likes of Newport."

(Image: Richard Swingler)

Caerphilly Council have come under pressure to solve the area's pollution issue in order to comply with the EU's Ambient Air Quality Directive, which the Welsh Government said must be achieved in the shortest possible time.

Buying and demolishing the 23 houses and businesses, at a cost of about £4.5m, would make the authority clean-air compliant by 2023.

An alternative "do minimum" approach, which relies on vehicle pollution trends reducing over time, is also being considered but is expected to make the street compliant with air guidelines by 2025.

(Image: Richard Swingler)

A council consultation seeking views on options to address the issue is open until June 11.

A decision on which option to pursue is then due to be made on June 26.

A spokesman for Welsh Government told the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We have always made it clear that we are committed to supporting the authority in their delivery of the necessary actions to achieve compliance with statutory nitrogen dioxide levels in the shortest timescale possible.

“This would address cabinet’s previous express concern that residents should not be placed in financial hardship.”