People, living near a controversial kiln planned for a cement factory in Flintshire, are being given the chance to voice their concerns.

The �48m construction at Castle Cement's Padeswood plant - which would secure 218 jobs - was approved by the Welsh Assembly in March.

There is a great deal of public interest in this development and in response to this we are conducting an extended consultation exercise Environment Agency spokesman

Groundwork on the kiln has begun but, before it can be be used, the company needs a permit from the Environment Agency.

As part of the application process for the Pollution, Prevention and Control (PPC) permit the firm has to provide information about the project and the public has to be consulted.

A series of meetings will now be held on Thursday and Friday.

An Environment Agency spokesman said it was essential to keep residents informed: "There is a great deal of public interest in this development and in response to this we are conducting an extended consultation exercise.

Bosses say the facility will protect jobs

"We want to ensure that we address all the issues of concern," he said.

The application for the facility was first put forward in 1999 and initially approved by Flintshire County Council in February 2000.

However, within weeks the plans were called in by the assembly following opposition on environmental grounds.

A public inquiry was then launched which ended more than a year ago.

Castle Cement managers claim the new kiln will help solve environmental problems by making safe and efficient use of new fuels.

The agency have said no decision on whether to grant the PPC permit will be made until next year.

The kiln is expected to be finished by 2005.