POLLUTION levels in the area rocketed as dangerous smog descended on the capital.

Levels of tiny soot particles (PM2.5 particles) that are believed to cause heart disease, asthma and lung cancer rose to a three year high in April, with figures increasing to almost 70 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

This is just below the 120 microgram legal limit.

Research has found that these particles cause between 12,000 and 24,000 premature deaths in Britain every year.

According to the figures released by the London Air Quality Network levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in the atmosphere rose by five micrograms over the last year.

Levels of the chemical, which is believed to cause bronchitis and lung infections, rose from 61 micrograms in 2010 to 67 in 2011.

The news comes as unseasonably warm weather caused pollution levels in London to soar, prompting health warnings for the elderly, children and asthamatics.

Ralph Potter, of the Wanstead Parklands Community Project, campaigns to preserve Wanstead’s green spaces.

He said: “It is very concerning. I suffer from lung problems myself so it is something I worry about.

“I suppose it is something we have to put up with as a consequence of the good weather which brings out pollutants.

“I think that the council could be doing more to make people aware. They should publish regular figures of the pollution levels in the borough so those who suffer from asthma and other ailments are aware of the risk."

Pat Ilett, 69, of Thornwood Close, said: “I live very near Charlie Brown’s roundabout so pollution is particulalrly bad here.

“The council took away our pollution monitor and we have asked for a replacement but it has not been put back.

“We have lots of children and schools round here and it is them I am worried about.”