CLEAN air campaigners in Clitheroe have called for an inquiry into reports that Castle Cement was allowed to store Cemfuel in corroded tanks.

The firm today revealed that it had stopped burning the fuel until the four tanks and associated pipework has been upgraded.

Bosses have also removed all the Cemfuel from its Ribblesdale site.

Health and Safety Executive inspectors visited the company earlier this month "to start an investigation into the safe storage and use of Cemfuel." Concerned residents were told in a letter by HSE director general Jenny Bacon that Cemfuel storage tanks "had become corroded" and "pipework had suffered damage sufficient enough to cause leaks".

Members of Clitheroe campaign group Air Watch have written to Prime Minister Tony Blair demanding an urgent inquiry into the matter. But Castle Cement chiefs said there was "absolutely no risk" to the public. The HSE letter, to James and Jennifer Mortimer, of Green Drive, Clitheroe, said: "Inspectors visited Castle Cement on September 15 and 18 to start an investigation into the safe storage and use of Cemfuel.

"They were accompanied by petroleum licensing officers from Lancashire County Fire Brigade.

"The Cemfuel tanks are corroded and pipework has suffered damage sufficient to cause leaks. They have been out of commission since September 5."

Ian Sutheran, general manager at Castle Cement's Ribblesdale works, said storage tanks and pipes had been "routinely tested and maintained" since the burning of Cemfuel began in 1992.

"All four fuel storage tanks are being refurbished as part of the current works and therefore no Cemfuel is being burned.

"Solrec, the company which supplies the fuel, has removed all stocks that were being held at the works and no deliveries will be despatched until the refurbishment work is completed, probably later this week."

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