CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue fighting a plan to burn recycled liquid fuel (RLF) at Westbury cement works despite health bosses giving it their backing.

Lafarge Cement hopes to use the fuel to heat its kilns and says the move will bring both environmental and economic benefits. But many residents fear burning RLF will lead to increased health problems.

The firm initially plans to burn RLF for a six-month trial period and this application is being considered by the Environment Agency. The agency was due to announce its decision on January 31, but this was postponed because it had not received feedback from West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.

At a board meeting on Thursday, health bosses voted not to block the plan and Lafarge must now await the Environment Agency's final verdict due by April 30.

Acting director of public health Pamela Akerman said: "There is insufficient evidence for the trust to object to the proposed trial on public health grounds."

Dr Mark Evans, consultant in communicable disease control at Wiltshire Health Protection Unit, said: "Adverse health effects are not expected. The six-month trial period will be stopped any time emission levels are exceeded. It should be stressed that 16 sites will be considered for monitoring."

RLF is a high-grade blended fuel made from non-recoverable materials used in making products such as screen wash, paint and printing ink. But campaigners from the Westbury area and beyond remain unconvinced that it is safe to use.

David Levy, of pressure group The Air That We Breathe, told the PCT: "The plant is killing us day in day out, and it does not cost you a penny to refuse permission."

Stephen Eades, of Wiltshire Friends of the Earth, said: "The recommendation there should be at least one monitoring site is seriously inadequate. Smoke travels 365 degrees around the chimney so one would not be enough."

MP Andrew Murrison said: "It is essential monitoring of emissions, both before and during any, trial is exhaustive."

Lafarge works manager John Collinson said: "We are pleased with the PCT's decision we have always maintained recycled liquid fuel is a safe, proven fuel. We are now looking forward to a prompt decision by the Environment Agency and running a successful trial."