NEW figures show that residents in Leeds North West are at higher risk of developing lung problems.

People in the area - which includes Otley, Yeadon, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Bramhope - are 54 per cent more likely to be admitted to hospital with a chronic lung disease than others across the UK.

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) says the findings by the Lung Foundation are troubling - and demand prompt action to improve local air quality.

He said: "These findings are very disturbing indeed and make the clearest case yet for taking action to clean up our air.

"Nitrogen Dioxide, which is produced largely from older diesel vehicles, is an invisible killer and action needs to be taken at every level to combat it.

"I am pleased Leeds City Council are taking action to introduce a Clean Air Zone, which will hopefully deter the worst emitting vehicles from travelling into the city via the A660 corridor.

"But this is just one part of a wider package that needs to be put forward to tackle the problem.

"We must push bus operators to improve their service - something I'll be doing when I visit First Bus - as well as look at ways to invest in rail, particularly for commuters.

"It is also important to invest in cycle lanes and look at speed limits to encourage people out of their cars and onto bikes."

Mr Sobel is also calling for more local charging points to help people change over to electric vehicles, and says energy efficiency has a vital role to play.

*The study shows that people in the constituency are 18 per cent more likely to be admitted to hospital with asthma and 28 per cent more likely to be admitted with pneumonia.

They are also 24 per cent more likely to die of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 17 per cent more likely to die from mesothelioma, and 38 per cent more likely to be registered with - or die of - lung cancer.