Cement factory plans under scrutiny

Wiltshire residents are being invited to have their say on a cement factory's plans to burn recycled fuel.

Lafarge Cement UK has applied to trial the use of recycled liquid fuel to heat cement kilns at its Westbury plant.

The fuel is derived from waste liquid solvents, and the proposals have raised some concern amongst environmental campaigners.

The public meeting, scheduled by the Environment Agency, is at Matravers School, Westbury on 29 July at 1930 BST.

We look forward to positive discussion at the public meeting and surgeries we are holding. Colin Babb Environment Agency

Last November, some local residents claimed there would be an increased risk to health if the plans were given the green light.

Lafarge said burning the fuel would reduce emissions.

The company already has permission from the Agency to burn tyres to use in its production process.

Copies of the application are available at the Westbury Town Library and the offices of West Wiltshire District Council, Trowbridge.

They are also available on the public register at the Agency's Bridgwater Office.

"We are very keen to hear the views of the public on this application, said Colin Babb for the Agency.

"We look forward to positive discussion at the public meeting and surgeries we are holding."