Plans to burn used tyres and plastics for energy at a South Wales industrial plant have sparked concerns among residents and environmentalists. But bosses at Aberthaw Cement Works say the move would cut costs and prove "environmentally positive" by reducing coal burning and carbon dioxide emissions at the site.

The move comes six years after the LafargeCement company began using meat and bone meal from cows and sheep as a sustainable wastederived fuel at its Aberthaw Works.

The company plans to send out 4,000 letters to residents explaining the latest proposals in more detail. It also intends holding two public exhibitions of its proposals before making an application to the Environment Agency.