Neighbours of Wilkinson Quarry in Hamilton Parish were furiously cleaning yesterday after winds blew dust from the quarry all over the area and into homes and businesses.

"I am a prisoner in my own home," said nearby homeowner Noela Haycock. "I have had to close all the doors and windows because the dust is everywhere."

Ms Haycock said it looked like someone has burst open a bag of flour in her home.

Meanwhile at the popular Swizzle Inn restaurant nearby, dust clouds forced the management to close the upstairs balcony for the afternoon.

Owner Jay Correia said the dust problem was so bad that many of his wait staff began wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes from the quarry dirt.

"This cloud of dust was blowing around all day and it has made for a very unpleasant day," Mr. Correia said.

The dusty residue was so thick, he added, that patrons could write their names on the tables in it.

Yesterday was not the first day area residents have experienced problems as a result of the quarry - which is located behind Swizzle Inn.

Mr. Correia said the problem tended to be especially bad on days when the wind is blowing from the North and it has been relatively dry.

And Mrs. Haycock said in addition to the problems of the dust, her home has been rocked by blasting at the quarry.

"It has cracked pipes and knocked down walls," she said. "We're not very happy campers. We lost two tanks of water as a result of burst pipes."

Swizzle Inn has also been shaken by the blasting, Mr. Correia said. The neighbours said they are not certain what can be done to stop the dust bowl travelling to their properties but the quarry should not be able to operate to the detriment of others.

Mrs. Haycock said a representative for the quarry, David Summers, came by her home yesterday to take a sample of the dust strewn throughout her home and told her he would be meeting with principals of the company tomorrow.

Mr. Correia also said Mr. Summers had promised to look into what can be done to control the dust.

The Royal Gazette was unable to contact Mr. Summers last night for comment.

As a result of the dust storm, Mrs. Haycock said she has dust all over her lawn, pool and garden as well and the furniture, carpets and other surfaces within her home.

"It is very likely in our water tank as well," she said. "I would just like them to operate without affecting me," added Mr. Correia.