Industrial grime plaguing homes and businesses in Westbury is sparking public health fears.

In the last eight weeks residents living near the industrial estates have found layers of dust sticking on their cars and windows.

The fine dust in the air, described by residents as 'a haze', is being blamed on faulty extractor fans at the United Milk factory which opened on Northacre Industrial Park last year.

Joyce Smith, of The Ham, said: "This dust settles on cars and windows but when it gets wet it sets hard and is virtually impossible to wash off.

"In the 1990s people were getting blisters, bad throats and rashes because of the poor air quality and I hope we are not getting back to those dark days."

Over 20 residents and two local businesses reported the dust clouds to the District Council and the Environment Agency.

Experts from the Environment Agency analysing the dust believe it is powdered milk and have not issued any health warnings.

Environment Agency spokes-man Ben Woodhouse said: "Tests reveal there is not a problem with the emissions levels at the factory but we are investigating any problems with their extractor process. If there is a design fault at United Milk they must fix it."

Principal health officer at West Wiltshire District Council, Kate Bishop said: "We believe this problem is just a localised issue and will not affect the whole town, but we are working with the county council and Environ-ment Agency to help solve the air quality problems."

Bosses at United Milk refused to comment on the dust.