Cemex UK is considering an appeal after it was hit with a massive fine after cement dust escaped from a silo at its Rugby production plant. Judges at Warwick Crown Court fined the company UK£400,000 after it admitted pollution charges following an incident in October 2005. The firm was also ordered to pay almost UK£12,500 in costs by the court.

The Environment Agency welcomed the severity of the fine and claimed it would ensure Cemex would improve its maintenance regime. A Cemex spokeswoman commented: "We regret the incident but feel that the level of fine is excessive and disproportionate."