CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight on whatever the outcome of today's decision on whether Westbury's cement works should be allowed to burn recycled liquid fuel (RLF) in its kilns.

Lafarge has applied to burn the fuel, which is made from non-recoverable materials used in making products such as screen wash, paint and printing ink, for a six-month trial and the Environment Agency's verdict is expected today.

Protesters fear the green light will be given to the proposal but have promised they will continue to bombard environment and health bosses with their concerns.

They fear burning such a mix of products could also release unknown compounds into the atmosphere which safety measures will not be able to deal with.

Lafarge has consistently denied these claims and insists burning RLF has environmental benefits and is not harmful. Richard Baxter, spokesman for pressure group The Air That We Breathe, said: "We are not at all hopeful about getting the right decision because the Environment Agency has already hinted it will approve it.

"But we will not stand by and just accept the decision.

"We will continue to fight and a meeting has been planned for Friday to discuss our next plan of action.

"The trials they are proposing will only test three pollutants out of over 200 that burning RLF will precipitate.

"The issue could not be more serious or life-threatening."

The Environment Agency is currently in the process of applying to the Government to make amendments to their substitute fuels protocol and if the decision, which is expected on June 18, goes their way Mr Baxter fears a double disaster for the environment.

National waste group Cleanaways has added its support to the campaigners, saying if the proposals are passed it could lead to a lowering of environmental standards and represent a health and safety threat to workers within the plant.

Mr Baxter said: "Different companies and groups keep speaking out about the burning of these fuels because they all know it is very dangerous.

"If the Government passes the agency's proposals then it will be double bad news coming on top of the Lafarge decision.

"I don't blame Lafarge wanting to do this because you would expect a massive company like them to be interested in profit-making but I am amazed at the stance being taken by the Environment Agency.

"Its job has to be to look after the environment against such companies and if these decisions go against us then that is not happening."

No-one from Lafarge was available for comment at the time of going to press but the firm has repeatedly said recycled fuel is a safe, proven fuel.