A South Norwood nursery is planting pollution absorbing hedges to “negate” the effect of a nearby low traffic neighbourhood.

The Butterfly Patch, on South Norwood Hill, claims the Holmesdale Road LTN has forced traffic from quieter roads to instead pass the nursery, worsening air quality for children.

Staff are planting Cotoneaster Franchetti outside the premises, which has been found to be 20 per cent more effective than other shrubs at absorbing polluting particles.

A spokesperson for the nursery group said: “The LTNs have forced local traffic to the main roads and therefore past our nursery, this includes trucks and buses which are the worst polluters with large diesel engines.

“These LTN’s have forced traffic from wealthier parts of South Norwood to less affluent parts which have disproportionally affected ethnic minorities and low income families.

“Affecting health and the ability to learn, work, earn and rest.

“So, for the welfare of our staff and children, we are planting a shrub called Cotoneaster Franchetti, which is the best hedging for negating the effect car exhaust pollution has on the air”.

Croydon Council introduced the LTN, now referred to a a 'healthy neighbourhood scheme', back in 2020.

It has been a site of continued controversy due to the impact on surrounding areas.

Plans to extend the scheme for another year were approved by Councillor Muhammad Ali, cabinet member for sustainable Croydon, late last year.

A spokesperson for Croydon Council said: “The Healthy Neighbourhood scheme on Holmesdale Road was put in place to make walking and cycling easier and safer options in this area, where many reports of excessive traffic and dangerous driving had been made.

“The scheme is designed to encourage more drivers to leave the car at home for short journeys – which actually reduces overall local emissions – and we are currently in the process of significant air quality monitoring to gather appropriate data.”