A CEMENT firm has been given the go-ahead to use construction waste in its kilns.

Government environment bosses claim the Castle Cement plan will reduce the amount of waste dumped in landfill.

The firm is also to be allowed to use its controversial waste fuel, Cemfuel, on kiln seven at its Clitheroe plant during the six-month trial period.

Protesters are expected out in force when the controversial scheme is aired at public meetings in Clitheroe today and tomorrow.

Government pollution watchdog the Environment Agency said the plan complied with strict European standards on the disposal of waste.

Chris Smith, the agency's industry regulation team leader, said: "The trial will include the most stringent regulation of a cement kiln anywhere in the country. A monitor will be attached to the chimney and there will be continuous monitoring of emissions. We have assessed the application thoroughly and taken into account comments received from the public so far.

"The conditions we have imposed will ensure that the operation complies with the European Directive on Hazardous Waste. We are permitting activities that we believe are the best for the environment," he said.

Castle Cement wants to use up to 100 tonnes a week of the new material - less than one per cent of input - as a replacement for limestone in the making of cement. Bosses claim it will reduce the need for quarried limestone and the unnecessary landfilling of recyclable materials.

The waste will include broken concrete roof tiles and paving stones, although not necessarily from demolition sites.

Cemfuel will not be burned on kilns five and six, Castle Cement's other two kilns, except in "exceptional circumstances", Mr Smith added.

Over 300 residents have already contacted the Environment Agency protesting about the plan.

Protesters have dismissed the surgeries as "window dressing" and are expected out in force.

The surgeries will take place at Clitheroe Parish Church Hall from 1pm to 6.30pm today and 9.30am to 12.30pm tomorrow.

They will be followed by a four-week consultation period for further comments from members of the public.

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