We found this News Release on Castle Cement's website in their Archived section.
We have hot linked several of Mr Weller's references which we thought you might find interesting.0
 

                          Latest news

                          CASTLE SLAMS PROTEST GROUP’S MISLEADING CLAIMS
                          17 January 2000

                          CASTLE'S production director Peter Weller has condemned the
                          recent actions of a local protest group who are opposing the
                          company’s plans to invest £48m in a new kiln at Padeswood works
                          near Mold.

                          “The investment will bring major improvements in environmental
                          performance while securing the future of a works that has operated in
                          the area for fifty years,” explains Weller.

                           “A small number of people have campaigned against the investment,
                          making claims which are both misleading and of doubtful legality.
                          While we accept people’s democratic right to protest, the latest
                          actions by CANK have led Castle to instruct its lawyers to consider
                          the company’s legal position.

                          “The claims linking ill health with cement manufacture are
                          scaremongering at its worst and I am surprised that
                         some responsible companies in Chester have objected to our investment on
                          the basis of these accusations without even talking to us about our
                          plans. We are in urgent discussions with these companies and one,
                          Continental Can, has already withdrawn its objection.”

                          This follows on from the withdrawal of an objection by BAe Systems
                          regarding the height of the new tower. An agreement was reached
                          between Castle and BAe over the installation of an instrument landing
                          system at Harwarden airport which will ensure continued safe
                          operation of the airfield.

                          Weller continues: “the facts are that in the long history of the UK
                          cement industry there has never been any evidence to link cement
                          making with ill health and there have been many reports which
                          confirm this. Recently a Department of Health report said that there
                          was no evidence to suggest that local health was affected by our
                          operations at Ribblesdale in Lancashire. In addition,
                         a £500,000 Environment Agency study showed that air quality was ‘very good’
                          around this works where alternative fuels have been used for several
                          years.”

                          Regarding the new kiln at Padeswood, Weller referred to a report
                          issued in December by Dr Richard Roberts of the North Wales Health
                          Authority which said that pollution would be reduced and that people
                          are unlikely to suffer any harmful effects.

                          “Local businesses and the community should be reassured by these
                          facts,” he concluded .

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