LEFTOVERS from paint stripper and nail varnish remover production could soon be burnt at Westbury cement works sparking new concerns from environmental groups.

Lafarge Cement is calling for people to have their say before the firm submits its application to the Environment Agency, at the end of April, for permission to burn Recycled Liquid Fuels (RLF).

The aim is to reduce the amount of fossil fuels the firm burns in the Westbury kilns.

RLF is a combination of the liquid by-products left behind in processes such as the making of paint stripper and nail varnish remover, and would be in addition to the use of tyre-burning at the cement works.

Westbury works manager John Collinson said: "This is the first time we have consulted people before submitting an application for a trial. We will be sending newsletters to over 7,000 local households, explaining our plans and giving local people the opportunity to receive a copy of the draft application, ask us questions and comment on it.

"This consultation period will give us an opportunity to understand, and, where possible, reflect people's comments in the application."

Environmental campaigners say they need more information about the impact the plant's controversial tyre-burning is having on pollution levels around Westbury before they will condone solvent burning.

Environmental campaigner David Levy, from The Air That We Breathe group, is outraged by the suggestion Lafarge is to hold a consultation period.

Mr Levy said: "I think this is the most cynical use of time when people will be too pre-occupied with war to get their opinions in.

"How can they justify burning solvents when they have not even resolved the queries for any poisons coming from the plant now?"

Lafarge says the move to burn solvents will help build on the environmental benefits it is already gaining from using tyres as fuel.

Mr Levy said: "I am more than happy to take Lafarge on head to head in a public meeting when we can ask questions about what they are burning there now.

"What is coming out of that factory is filth."

A copy of Lafarge's draft application is available from the Westbury Works by calling (01373) 828400.

Any comments must be submitted to the company by April 7.