Mothers fear their children's health is being put at risk by the decision to allow Westbury cement works to burn recycled fuel in its kilns.

Lafarge was granted permission to burn the fuel for a six-month trial by the Environment Agency a couple of weeks ago.

Environment pressure groups have stated their concerns about the proposed trial but this week mothers of young children revealed their worries to the Wiltshire Times.

Tracey Allen, 40, of Edington, is a member of the Edington mothers under five's group. The group was set up a few years ago as a mothers and toddlers group but recently it has become involved with the fight against Lafarge's proposals.

Mrs Allen said: "Children's lungs are not as developed as other people's so obviously anything that gets released into the air will effect children's lungs more.

"People are saying there is no proof that burning these fuels will have an adverse effect on the air quality but is there any proof it doesn't?"

Mrs Allen, married with four children admits their concerns are making them consider their future in Edington.

She said: "My husband and I feel the danger of burning these fuels could be so serious that we are thinking about moving away. I feel as though our children are being used as guinea pigs for a scientific experiment. Their lives are being experimented with."

Conditions of the trial stipulate close monitoring and that if the results show any adverse effects the trial will be stopped immediately.

But Mrs Allen does not believe this will be enough to ensure the safety of her children. She said: "The danger might not be immediate, it might only affect their health in the longer term. I feel quite helpless but we will keep fighting."

Diane Miller, 38, of Tinhead Road, Edington, has two children, aged seven and three, and is also a member of the mothers group. She said: "We are leaving the area in August and the Lafarge issue is certainly a factor in our decision."

Any concerns over the decision to allow the trial can be voiced at a meeting on July 5 at the hall of the United Reform Church, Warminster Road, Westbury, at 7pm.

The Wiltshire Times has been covering the issues regarding Lafarge since the discussions started.

If anyone has a question for Lafarge we will put them to the company. E-mail the wtimes@newswilts.co.uk or send them to Wiltshire Times, 15 Duke Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EF.