A former cement works operator has admitted breaching environmental conditions.

Castle Cement Limited, which ran the works in Padeswood, Flintshire, has admitted four of seven charges brought by Environment Agency Wales.

Detailed investigations by agency officers unveiled breaches of the company’s environmental permit. The case, relating to incidents between 2006 and 2007, has been adjourned until November.

Flintshire magistrates were told that enforcement notices were issued against the company requiring it to upgrade operating techniques to reduce dust emissions and ensure compliance with conditions.

Defence barrister John Wyn Williams entered formal guilty pleas to four charges. The company admits breaching conditions of their permit by failing to maintain the plant and equipment, breaching an enforcement notice, breaching conditions to limit dust emissions and breaching conditions to control excessive noise and vibration.

Three further charges were dropped by the agency following negotiations between Mr Williams and prosecutor Barry Berlin.

The case has been adjourned until 13 November, when it will be heard at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court.

District Judge Andrew Shaw will consider whether the company should be sentenced then or sent to the crown court.

Published under Cement News