A new fieldwork study has revealed the worst air polluted city centre streets in the UK, and a popular Leeds street has been crowned one of the worst.
Briggate has been named one of the most polluted streets in the country.
Recordings were taken at high streets in the 25 largest towns and cities in the country over a two-week period.
The results found that 76 per cent are exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended annual level of air pollution.
The study enlisted a planning consultancy to collect samples using an air quality monitoring device at 11am on either a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to ensure as much comparability as possible between the locations.
Image: Unsplash
Sam Clarke, chief vehicle officer at the sustainable energy business, said: “With millions set to hit the high street this festive period, we wanted to look at the state of the nation’s air quality in the locations people will be doing most of their Christmas shopping.
“It’s shocking to see that so many were above the World Health Organisation’s annual recommendations for air pollution, and that one in 10 shoppers are even planning on foregoing the highstreets altogether due to air quality.”
The study comes after a poll of 2,000 adults which found 36% have concerns over the health of the community due to air pollution, or the health of their family (26 per cent) or themselves (25 per cent).
Twenty streets in the UK were over the recommended World Health Organisation recommended levels of 5 µg/m3):
1. Stoke-On-Trent (Parliament Street) – 11.7
2. Newcastle (Northumberland Street) – 11.5
3. Leicester (Gallowtree Gate) – 11.2
4. Coventry (West Orchards Way) – 11.1
5. Hull (Jameston Street) – 10.7
6. Bradford (Broadway) – 10.6
7. Southampton (Above Bar Street) – 8.8
8. Nottingham (High Street) – 7.7
9. Luton (George Street) – 7.6
10. Manchester (Market Street) – 7.6
11. Northampton (Abington Street) – 7.3
12. Birmingham New Street – 7.3
13. Liverpool (Church Street) – 7.1
14. Derby (St Peter’s Street) – 6.9
15. London (Oxford Street) – 6.8
16. Sheffield (Fargate) – 6.3
17. Brighton (Western Road) – 5.6
18. Leeds (Briggate) – 5.3
19. Portsmouth (Commercial Road) – 5.1
Sam Clarke added: “If we’re to reach the World Health Organisation’s annual target of 5 µg/m3 of PM2.5 in our air, collectively we need to change our behaviours.
“With vehicle emissions being a key contributor, anything we can do to travel more greenly, from walking more to cycling, and including electric vehicles, is a very valuable set forward to improve the air we breathe daily.”
The Glee Club is celebrating its first year in Leeds with a spectacular birthday celebration featuring internationally renowned comedians.
We hope you're ready to laugh your socks off Leeds.
Since opening its doors in March 2025, The Glee Club has made a name for itself as the city's best destination for a hilarious night out.
Welcoming huge crowds every weekend, it's now a must-visit venue if you're looking for a good laugh and an unforgettable night.
To celebrate their first birthday, they are pulling out all the stops and welcoming a lineup of world-class comedians to the stage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off on Monday 23 March, guests include the much loved comedian and TV presenter, Joe Lycett; German-American comedian, Mario Adrion; acclaimed stand-up Russell Kane; rising star and award-winning comedian, Michael Odewale; Birmingham’s funniest export, Lindsey Santoro; TV favourite Matt Richardson; plus London's number one original and longest running comedy clash show, World Comedy Clash.
And it doesn't stop there, as the venue will also be launching a brand-new food and drink menu to add to the ultimate Glee experience.
A spokesperson for The Glee Leeds said: "What an incredible first year it has been in Leeds. The city has embraced us with open arms and the atmosphere on our sell-out weekends has been absolutely electric.
“The birthday celebrations are just the beginning; we have a phenomenal line-up ahead and a brand-new menu to match. We are so proud of what we've built in Leeds, and we can't wait to raise a glass, and a giggle, to many more years of laughter in Leeds.”
You can see the full schedule and book your tickets here.
Inside Leeds’ newest vintage store that’s a Y2K-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Yorkshire's favourite vintage retailer has just opened a permanent store in Leeds city centre.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop-up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is back with a bang having moved into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They've taken over the old Levi's site on Lands Lane and wow is it a beauty.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
If you're a fan of Y2K fashion then you're going to absolutely love their new shop, the entire top floor is dedicated to the era complete with rails stacked with baby tees, long skirts and iconic accessories.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's also an incredible selection of cowboy boots which we've got our eye on.
Downstairs you'll find a huge selection of big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
There's loads of changing rooms so you'll never find yourself queueing, and the prices won't break the bank.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Opening tomorrow Wednesday 18 March at 12pm, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Clementine Hall -
11th December 2023 
