CAMPAIGNERS today vowed to fight on against Cemfuel despite a report by environmental watchdogs giving the controversial waste fuel an initial all clear.

After months of deliberation Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution has issued a preliminary report which fails to pinpoint health risks from burning Cemfuel but residents still insist they are at risk.

But the report does say that plumes of smoke and chemicals falling to the ground around the plant are probably causing eye and throat irritation.

The report concludes that it is "unlikely" that there will be any "unnacceptable effects on the human food chain" and there is no evidence of any increased levels of asthma or cancer.

Mrs Mary Horner, one of the leading campaigners, claimed permission for the plant was given without knowledge of what was involved.

"It has put the health of Ribble Valley people living nearby at risk.

"HMIP has talked of putting limits on emissions from the plant but what of the damage which has already been caused over the years?

"The whole testing procedure and analysis has, in my opinion, been a sham.

"Nobody has ever examined the people of the Ribble Valley whose health is suffering.

"It is an absolute disgrace and Ribble Valley is the loser."

Ribble Valley's environmental committee chairman Councillor Harry Backhouse said: "The official word is that there is nothing to show that burning Cemfuel is any worse than burning coal and I had a feeling that would be the message from HMIP."

Mr Peter del Strother, general manager of the Clitheroe Castle Cement plant, said: "HMIP has properly consulted the Department of Health, the East Lancashire Health Authority and the MInistry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the clean bill of health that has emerged is very welcome."

On the subject of plume grounding, Mr del Strother added: "We have already done a great deal of work and are committed to finding a solution.

"I would hope to be in a position early in the New Year to outline a firm programme of further action."

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