CAMPAIGNERS fighting the decision to allow Westbury's cement works to burn recycled liquid fuel in its kilns say they can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Environment Agency gave Lafarge permission to burn the fuel for a six-month trial two weeks ago and protesters had considered legal action.

But after a meeting with the company's bosses on Monday night, representatives from the pressure group The Air That We Breathe believe Lafarge are finally showing signs of co-operation.

David Levy, from The Air That We Breathe, said: "We had a very positive meeting with them on Monday and it certainly bodes better in terms of having a better relationship with the company than we have done before.

"The new works manager, Real Simard, looks as though he is going to listen to us, which has never happened in the past. I would like to praise the company for trying to grips with what we are asking."

RLF is made from non-recoverable materials and the fear is that burning a mix of these products could release unknown compounds into the atmosphere.

Mr Levy said: "The meeting lasted three hours and we got the chance to voice our concerns that we should have been allowed to do along time ago.

"Until they get back to me with their answers I would not like to pre-guess their answers. It would not be fair.

"I have left 11 serious points with them to discuss at senior level. I don't want to say too much but I am encouraged by the new management's approach to the company and I believe they do want to show a commitment to the community of Westbury."

Despite the progress being made with Lafarge, campaigners are still determined to fight against the Environment Agency's proposed amendments to the Substitute Fuels Protocol. The bill has finished a consultation period and the government are due to make a decision in the next month.

If the changes are passed, The Air That We Breathe believe it will provide the cement industry with an open door to burn hazardous waste, at huge consequences to the environment.

Mr Levy said: "The cement industry is not safe enough to burn these fuels and it could be a disaster for the environment.

"The government are in a hole because due to a shortage of landfill sites, next month they will have a disposal problem.

"Our argument is not with Lafarge any more, it is with the Environment Agency who should be looking after the environment not facilitating the cement industry into disposal of hazardous waste.

"The government and the agency are going hell for leather for these changes but we are going hell for leather against them."

Lafarge works manager Real Simard said: "We have got a programme of open communications about our operations here, with a community newsletter and we want to encourage anyone who has a question to call us on (01373) 828400."