AIR pollutants have increased in Westbury since tyre-burning was first launched at Lafarge but environmental officers believe the rise in toxins could be down to a series of coincidences.

Recent statistics reveal dangerous toxins in the air such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide all considered 'principle pollutants' have increased since tyre-burning was introduced.

But Environment Agency officers, who closely monitor emissions and publish statistics, said this week the increase in pollutants could have a number of explanations.

Between 1998 and 2002 agency records show levels of 17 toxins have increased in the air despite reassurances that pollution levels had been reduced.

Environmental campaigner David Levy said the figures spoke for themselves.

He said: "This proves we have been lied to. How can we believe reassurances from the Environment Agency that recycled liquid fuel is safe?"

In 2002 phosgene was found in the air for the first time and there has been increases in levels of ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, sulphur dioxide, methane, lead, mercury, nickel and volatile organic compounds.

Data compiled by the agency compares emissions from 1998, the last year before tyres were burnt, with 2002, the first full year of tyre-burning.

But Environment Agency officers deny claims they have misled the public and broken promises.

Colin Babb, regulatory officer at the Environment Agency, said: "There are a number of complex reasons why the emissions levels have gone up and it may just all be a coincidence.

"Lafarge are consistently under the limits set by the agency and we haven't misled the public because although yearly emissions of the toxins have risen, daily emissions have fallen."

Lafarge is now applying to trial the use of recycled liquid fuel (RLF) in the kilns and the Environment Agency has been hosting a series of meetings with residents nearby as part of an ongoing consultation process.

Although the agency supports the use of RLF, officers have yet to reveal any evidence to support this view. Steven Eades, from Wiltshire Friends of the Earth, said: "We are expected to take the agency's word that burning chemicals will lessen the impact on the environment.

"A public inquiry would bring all their facts and figures into the open and people on both sides of the argument can get together."

"The discussion surgeries are welcome but this is an extremely important issue, so when are we going to hear the evidence to back up the rhetoric?"

Environmentalists are now demanding a full public inquiry so all evidence and figures can be revealed for public scrutiny.

West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison has contacted Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, demanding an inquiry.

He said: "There is substantial concern for a public inquiry on the burning of recycled liquid fuels."

Environment Agency officers confirmed records backing their support for burning RLF would be released by the end of the month.