CONTROVERSIAL plans by a cement firm to 'recycle' up to 100 tonnes of demolition waste a week in its kilns will be aired at public meetings on Friday and Saturday.

Government pollution watchdog the Environment Agency, is holding the open surgeries to discuss plans by Castle Cement to burn concrete at its Ribblesdale works.

The firm also wants to use its toxic waste fuel, Cemfuel, on kiln seven at the plant and increase its limit for emissions of sulphur.

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

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

Castle Cement wants to use up to 100 tonnes a week of the new material, including concrete roof tiles, 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 construction materials that could be recycled.

An Environment Agency spokesman said the surgeries would be an opportunity for people to discuss the matter with officers.

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

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