DOCTOR Alistair Smith is urging the elderly and people with heart or asthma conditions to be wary of the current air pollution levels sweeping the Stroud district.

Saharan dust and record levels of air pollution will continue to plague the country today, leading experts to advise caution.

Dr Smith, a partner at Locking Hill surgery said: “The high pollution levels we are currently experiencing across the UK are unprecedented.

“ I would recommend that the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, should try to limit the amount of time they spend out of doors, especially in they are undertaking strenuous activity.

“Asthmatics and those patients with chronic lung disease should ensure that they keep an up-to-date and working “reliever” inhaler with them at all times. You may find that you are needing to use it more often.” The Met Office has warned that another coating of dust could hit the country later this week.

Paul Hutcheon, of the Met Office, said: “We usually see this happen several times a year when big dust storms in the Sahara coincide with southerly winds to bring that dust here. More dust rain is possible during showers expected later this week.”