CAMPAIGNERS have threatened legal action over the decision to allow Westbury's cement works to burn recycled liquid fuel (RLF) in its kilns.

The Environment Agency granted Lafarge permission to burn the fuel for a six-month trial, subject to strict conditions, after almost a year of public consultation.

Protesters are waiting to see the full report, which is expected on Monday, before making an official reaction but they have indicated if their questions are not answered they will seek an injunction to halt the trial.

David Levy, from pressure group The Air That We Breathe, said: "If the document fails to address our specific questions then an injunction will be considered until the points are discussed in front of an environmental judge.

"If our concerns are not answered it will be a case of getting the barristers in as soon as possible. I do not want the company spending money if there is going to be an injunction."

RLF is made from non-recoverable materials used in making products such as screen wash, paint and printing ink. The fear is that burning such a mix of products could release unknown compounds into the atmosphere which safety measures will not be able to deal with.

Mr Levy said: "I am worried about the health of the workers as well as those outside and around the cement works.

"I will wait for the report but if my fears are confirmed and we do nothing we will end up with a legacy of pollution that will rival the asbestos fiasco of a previous generation."

The conditions imposed by the Environment Agency for the RLF trial include making sure a dedicated management team from Lafarge is in place to ensure emission limits are met and the trial is conducted safely, and the RLF is stored in a purpose built, secure, on-site storage tank.

There will also be environmental monitoring around the works including additional continuous air monitoring. If any of these conditions are breached the agency will call a halt to the trial.

Westbury works manager, Real Simard, said: "Our immediate concern is to study the permit to fully understand the requirements in it. We will not be in a position to start the trial until next year.

"In the meantime, we will be continuing our programme of open communications about our operations here, with a further community newsletter and encourage anyone who has a question about our plans to call us on (01373) 828400."