TWO Knaresborough road junctions, identified as an air pollution problem, are set to be improved, as part of a £5.1 Government-funded programme.

Work will start on a new road layout at the busy Bond End junctions on Monday, September 10. Traffic signals will be turned off on Sunday night.

Plans were approved to replace the traffic lights with two mini roundabouts and put in four zebra crossings to keep traffic flowing earlier this year.

The two junctions were identified as a problem in Harrogate Borough Council's air quality action plan in 2013, as the annual target for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) had been exceeded.

Cllr Don Mackenzie said: "This important work is aimed at reducing the number of queuing vehicles, which are a major cause of air quality problems.

"The new traffic arrangements target improved air quality for residents and users of the junctions."

The work is scheduled for nine weeks and will have a significant impact on traffic flow. Regular users are asked to find alternative routes where possible.

For updates see www.northyorks.gov.uk/bond-end-junction-improvements .