A COMPANY in Westbury which closed in March after it was discovered to be releasing poisonous solvents into the atmosphere has been allowed to re-open.

Solvent recovery firm, Absolute Solvents, was ordered to close the distribution and evaporation process at its Brook Lane plant after a spot check by the Environment Agency revealed that a pollution filter was not working.

The company has now redesigned the process, implemented improvements and carried out a commissioning trial.

Environmental agency spokesman Colin Babb said: "We are satisfied that the plant can now be operated with proper abatement of emissions.

"We have made it clear to Absolute Solvents that further breaches of its authorisation will be viewed very seriously."

A prohibition notice is only put into place in very serious cases, about twice a year in the North Wessex region.

The solvents released from the plant can affect breathing in people with asthma or other disorders.

Shortly after the plant was closed, an Environment Agency spokesman said: "They shouldn't cause a health hazard to the public, as they are only dangerous in close proximity and depending on the amount breathed in, but the point is they are nasty substances and adequate filter systems should be in place."

The company has had to carry out a commissioning trial, which was monitored by the Environment Agency, to satisfy the inspectors that they are safe to operate.