Metro bosses tackle 'nasty niffs'

Station areas of the Metro network are being targeted

Transport bosses in Tyne and Wear have begun a programme to rid the light railway network of nasty smells.

Metro operator Nexus has drafted in a specialist team to help make travel more comfortable for the 40m passengers who use the system each year.

North Tyneside firm Probe Industries is trying out a new technique to rid station areas of "unspeakable" odours.

A team of back-pack sprayers is targeting lifts and stairways in a bid to neutralise any unpleasant smells.

'Really impressed'

The substance, called AiroPure, has proved successful in initial tests.

Metro technical manager Malcolm Irving said: "It is very important to us that Metro's passengers enjoy their daily commute.

"The initial trials have proved extremely successful and AiroPure has really impressed us."

Probe Industries commercial director Vicky Browning, said: "Many other agents will mask malodours with other scents such as mint or lemon, but it's usually just a temporary measure that can quickly lose its effectiveness.

"AiroPure not only counteracts odour, but it does so permanently."