People with chest problems could suffer if limits on pollution levels at Drax Power Station are relaxed this year, a York councillor has warned.

Coun Martin Brumby has urged the Environment Agency to warn sufferers of asthma and emphysema if increased levels of sulphur dioxide are detected in the atmosphere.

He was speaking at a public meeting last night to debate a proposal by National Power to almost treble sulphur emissions at Drax while its anti-pollution plant is out of action.

He said: "My understanding is people who enjoy good health are not likely to notice the effect of sulphur dioxide, but asthmatics and people with chronic emphysema certainly will."

Jeff Gyllenspetz, of National Power, told an audience of 100 that Drax must increase its emissions from 100,000 to 270,000 tonnes because its flue gas desulphurisation filters (FGD) have broken down.

He warned: "If we do not put an application in, by the end of June Drax will have to shut down or we break the law. National Power is not in the business of breaking the law."

If that happened, electricity generation would transfer to other power stations leading to increased emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and dust, he said.

Drax manager Dr Derek Cheetham added: "We do value the high environmental reputation we have got. Last year around 30,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide was produced, we want to get back to that position."

It was revealed that cracks caused by metal fatigue have appeared in all 12 FGD booster fans. In one 25-millimetre blade the crack was 18 mm deep. Each fan weighs 11 tonnes and spins at 600 rpm.

Engineering manager Chris Elston said the fans would be switched on again for tests in two weeks' time, but may not be fully operational for 18 months.

David Smith, of green campaign group Breach, criticised National Power for not detecting the problem during maintenance checks. Dr Cheetham said the cracks were microscopic and found only after a fan shattered in Italy.

Selby district councillor John McCartney suggested the breakdown of FGD, which costs £15 million a year to run, was opportune for National Power, which had forecast a drop in profits.

A second public meeting will be held in late May.

Comments should be sent to Fiona Pickard, Environment Agency, Coverdale House, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4GZ, by April 23.

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