MAY I remind readers that objections to Castle Cement's application to burn 'Cemfuel' in Kiln 7 at their Clitheroe plant must be with the Environment Agency by January 14.

Realistically, history tells us that this proposed increase to three hazardous toxic waste incinerators will just be rubber-stamped - all of which should interest those who in April, 1998, made complaints to the agency on the understanding that they would be asked to make sworn statements for use in court.

Many did, with more offering, only to be 'overlooked,' but anyone sitting by the phone should know that the agency does not intend to take legal action against Castle; nor apparently to notify complainants of this and why.

It is likely that a lot of interested parties might feel aggrieved at the agency's failure to protect them.

They might consider that discussion of a third hazardous toxic waste incinerator, using a revised 'Cemfuel' mix, including far more waste products and heavy metals, higher emissions and half the heat-producing properties, should be shelved until the agency's activities have been scrutinised. If so, they must object before the 14th and demand that the plant be reclassified as an incinerator.

They might also see benefits in having statements collated, a full inventory drawn up (the agency has refused), and possibly an opinion sought; in which case, I would be happy, as the local co-ordinator for Ribble Valley Friends of the Earth, to act as their collator.

J D MORTIMER (Mr), Green Drive, Clitheroe.

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