CASTLE Cement has been given permission to begin burning a controversial liquid fuel in another of its kilns.

The Environment Agency has decided to allow burning of the hazardous waste Cemfuel in the dry process kiln seven at the Ribblesdale works, Clitheroe, from Monday.

But they have opted to reduce emission levels from the original proposals, published in December, to the same sulphur dioxide emission levels that would be expected from a brand new kiln.

Chris Smith, an agency team leader, said they had undertaken an extensive consultation exercise to canvas the public's views before making their decision.

The Agency held surgeries in Clitheroe in December, but was criticised for the timing by Friends of the Earth campaigners who said the run-up to Christmas meant far fewer people responded.

The decision is also based on trials at the plant in May 2000, which found emissions were the same or slightly lower when using Cemfuel.

Mr Smith said: "There are a significant number of safeguards, including checks on the fuel specification and the quantities that can be used in the kiln. The issues raised by the public have been considered fully when coming to the final decision."

Ribble Valley environmentalists have campaigned for years against the burning of Cemfuel, which they claim produces dangerous cancer-causing emissions. They claim the liquid fuel, a cheap coal substitute made from recycled chemical waste, is even less safe when used in the firm's dry process kiln.

Campaigner David Mortimer, of Friends of the Earth (FoE), said the decision made the Ribble Valley a more dangerous place. He said: "We are at serious risk in this valley. Dioxins have been proven to cause cancer in humans. All the evidence is there, but no one wants to look for it."