Petition launched over Lafarge fumes

10:50am Thursday 22nd May 2008

A PETITION has been launched on the Prime Minister's website calling on Lafarge Cement Works to stop discharging sulphur-like fumes from its chimney.

Ian Bartlett, 43, from The Butts, Westbury, started the online petition after detecting the smell over a number of years.

He has also contacted West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison who is investigating the situation.

Mr Bartlett said: "I've noticed the smell more over the last two years. The smoke seems to be dropping quite regularly down to ground level.

"The other week it was a nice sunny day and my garden just became full of what looked like fog.

"The smell is sulphur-like. Lots of people I speak to notice it. Maybe I should move house but I've had it converted for my disabled son so I don't see why I should move. I have complained to Lafarge and they have invited me down to see their processes."

Westbury manager Jim Cross said: "Like our five other UK works, our operation is visible in the local landscape and tightly regulated. We have to meet legislative limits on all major emissions, including sulphur dioxide, and remain committed to keeping our stakeholders informed of our environmental performance. In addition we are also investigating if recently introduced abatement techniques may be having an effect on the visibility of the plume, making it appear slightly darker than usual. "

He said weather conditions also had an effect on the colour of the smoke plume.

If you would like to sign Mr Bartlett's petition visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/cement

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