A TEAM of volunteers has been recruited by scientists as part of an extensive research programme into plume grounding around Clitheroe's Castle cement plant.

Scientists from AEA Technology, a world leader in odour testing, conducted three days of tests at the Ribblesdale factory with volunteers who used breathing masks to determine at what level gases can be detected by an 'average nose.'

Castle cement has been ordered by her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution to draw up and then put into action a plan to combat the problems of plumes of smoke falling to the ground from the kiln chimneys at the plant.

Works manager Peter del Strother said: "We have to know to what extent we have to improve our emissions so that they no longer cause a problem at ground level." A panel of eight volunteers, included representatives of Ribble Valley Borough Council, HMIP and Castle employees, who sampled specially collected emissions from the chimneys mixed with air.

Members of the local protest group RATS - Residents Against Toxic Substances - were also invited to take part, but they declined.

Although the chimneys at Ribblesale are hundreds of feet tall and specially designed to disperse gases produced by cement manufacture, certain wind and weather conditions combine to bring plumes to ground level in concentrations at which odours can still be detected.

Mr del Strother added: "Improving the situation requires, not only substantial investment by Castle, but the co-operation of both the local community and agencies like the council and HMIP.

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