A BLAZE at Westbury cement works swept through two high temperature kilns on Sunday just weeks before a decision is expected on an application to burn hazardous chemicals.

Blame for the fire is being placed on a faulty machine which dropped a burning tyre on to the factory floor.

Two kilns caught fire at around 11.45am and smoke filled the sky before an on-site emergency team put out the blaze. Lafarge bosses promise an investigation.

John Collinson, works manager, said: "The two small fires were dealt with swiftly and no one was hurt. Our process is monitored by thousands of sensors which meant we were quickly aware of the fires and no significant damage was done.

"An investigation is underway to enable us to put measures in place to avoid a future incident. We apologise if the fires caused any alarm or disruption."

Duncan Hames, West-bury Liberal Democrats Parliamentary spoke-sman has been campaigning for more stringent safety checks.

He said: "We know there have been fires before but it goes to prove these things do happen.

"There has been a lot of talk about air quality but safety must not be lost along the way."