A PUBLIC meeting will take place to discuss plans by a west Wiltshire cement company to burn scrap tyres as fuel.

The Environment Agency has called the meeting following an application by Blue Circle Industries.

Blue Circle ran three sets of trials at the factory in Westbury. The company has now applied to the Environment Agency to burn tyres continuously.

Campaigners have disputed the company's claim that burning old tyres would be more environmentally friendly than using conventional fuels.

Blue Circle wants to install a £1m system to use scrap tyres to replace conventional fuels.

The Environment Agency has organised a public meeting for July 24 at 8pm at The Laverton in Westbury. Officers from the agency will introduce the issues surrounding tyre burning.

Colin Babb, an inspector with the agency said: We are very keen to hear the views of the public as the application is considered.

A key part of the consultation process is meeting with people and hearing their views and comments and this meeting gives anyone who lives near the site a chance to contribute to the debate.

People can look at the application at West Wiltshire District Council's offices in Bradley Road, Trowbridge, and at Westbury Town Library.