A COUNTY councillor has voiced fears over the impartiality of new environment watchdogs.

Coun Howel Jones, who represents Ribble Valley where Castle Cement burns the controversial Cemfuel, told a Lancashire County Council meeting he was concerned about the membership of new Environment Protection Agency com- mittees.

"They seem weighted in favour of people with industrial backgrounds.

"Membership should include more people with environmental connections."

Council leader Louise Ellman said the county council's powers had been limited following the setting-up of the new agency, and the authority had pressed and would continue to press for more local authority involvement on the committees.

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