The expert whose much-debated report played down health fears about Castle Cement's £48 million expansion plans at Padeswood, has spoken out against anti-kiln protestors for using health issues as a "political football".

In an interview with The Evening Leader Dr Richard Roberts, public health consultant for North Wales Health Authority, accused campaigners of unnecessary scaremongering and called for them to move on in the debate.

"This technology is not new to the country, and tests on emissions at other places which use the same fuels have been reliably conducted by the Environment Agency.

"The tests done elsewhere in Britain show that burning tyres, paper and waste solvents at the new kiln would have no impact on health."

And Dr Roberts said the action of protestors was a bigger threat to people's health due to the anxiety they are causing residents with homes close to the site.

"People are concerned about their health, and pressure groups inflate the fear they have of something they can't see or hear. I feel strongly they should have accurate information, because health has been used as a political football, to the detriment of local residents," Dr Roberts warned.

"The protestors talk about dioxins and furans, and everyone agrees these are dangerous chemicals, but the amounts released would be no higher into the air than from burning coal, and are way below dangerous levels.

"They must go beyond just repeating 'this is dangerous', and ask how much of a risk there is.

"There are other, more legitimate concerns about the plans, such as the size of the tower and the increase in lorries passing through, and I'm trying to say it's fine to campaign on these issues but causing people anxiety is the biggest danger."