Air pollution in areas surrounding the town hall could be reaching ‘dangerous levels’, according to campaigners.

The level of PM-10, particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, has risen steadily in Brixton since the beginning of this year.

The particles can have an adverse affect on health because of their ability to reach lower regions of the respiratory tract.

In mid-February, pollution levels on Brixton Road peaked at 140- putting elderly people, children and those with respiratory problems at a particularly high risk of illness.

Jonathan Bartley, Green party candidate for the Greater London Assembly for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “Lambeth Council needs to urgently look into why this has happened in Brixton and what can be done to prevent it.

“Pollution levels in other parts of the borough - for example at Streatham Green - have not deteriorated in the same way.

“In the meantime the council needs to monitor the situation on a daily basis and inform local people immediately when there are pollution episodes.”

A council spokesman said it was looking into the reasons for the elevated pollution levels but said the issue was a national problem.