Government is looking at plans to build a new recycling plant to replace the existing site at Devon Springs.

The announcement was made following a walk-out by all 12 workers at the plant yesterday morning over complaints about working conditions.

And although a Government spokesman confirmed that those conditions were being improved in the short-term, he admitted that the sight was "not a wonderful place to work'' and that new locations were being sought.

The plant currently processes tin and glass refuse.

"The facility at Devon Springs wasn't purpose built as a recycling plant and so it has had to be adapted to fit the requirements,'' the spokesman said.

"It's unsatisfactory and it's costly. It's a place where tins and bottles are dealt with and there's a lot of bashing and grinding going on there and it's very noisy -- it's not a wonderful place to work.

"We are looking at other sites because it's a residential district and the neighbours aren't pleased.'' The spokesman said the dispute yesterday morning was "a small-scale affair''.

He added: "They walked out when they started work at 7.30 a.m. but after they had talked to their supervisor they went back to work.

"It was basically a breakdown in communication. A letter from the staff was sent to management in October listing numerous complaints about working conditions, including a leaky roof, and they still hadn't heard anything back.

"But those complaints were taken seriously and are being addressed at the moment. Management has been involved and work has been taken on to correct some of those faults but nobody told them.'' The spokesman continued: "This matter was explained to them and they were satisfied and went back to work at about 11.30 a.m.'' ENVIRONMENT ENV