AN investigation into the air quality in a Pendle street is under way amid concerns noxious fumes from a nearby factory could be damaging residents’ health.

The Environment Agency has installed a monitoring station, in Regent Street, Nelson, after being contacted by resident David Geddes.

Mr Geddes said he was worried that emissions from the Integrated Aluminium Components site, in Edward Street, could be hazardous.

The 46-year-old, along with two of his daughters, Lexi, two, and Lily-May, eight months, suffers from asthma, and requires an inhaler.

He fears fumes from the former Decor-part site could be contributing to their symptoms.

“It smells awful and you can taste it in your mouth,” said Mr Geddes, who said he is off work due to respiratory problems.

“It seems to get worse at night. We can’t open our windows and my daughter can’t play outside.”

Mr Geddes lives in Regent Street in the Bradley area with his wife Donna, 23, and eight children whose ages range from eight months to 18.

Three years ago other residents claimed abrasive fumes from the factory were to blame for mysterious white spots on cars’ paintwork.

Mr Geddes said not enough had been done to tackle the problems.

He said: “There are over 1,500 people living in the area and a lot of them are elderly. This is the first time the air has been tested properly.”

The station will monitor for oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulphur and particulates over the next four months.

Dolores Clegg, Environment Agency officer, said: “We and the Health Protection Agency will be looking at the data from the monitoring station as it comes through to assess if the results are within normal limits, or if there is anything that needs further investigation.”

The company said today it was unable to comment.