A COTSWOLD computer company has been fined £128,158 after burning cars following a demolition derby and covering Sherston in a cloud of toxic smoke.

Zycko Limited, based in South Cerney, appeared at Chippenham Magistrates Court on Monday after the blaze, held on land owned by chairman Rory Sweet, caused thick, toxic black smoke to drift over the village of Sherston.

The company had ignored an earlier abatement notice issued by North Wiltshire Council following similar banger car burning at the site on August 9 2004.

The Environment Agency, which prosecuted Zycko, sent an officer to investigate on Saturday, September 3, 2005 after receiving complaints about the smoke coming from land at Ladyswood, near Sherston.

The officer saw several burning vehicles in various states of disrepair. Firefighters from Wiltshire were already on site and said they would need many more appliances and breathing apparatus if they were to put the fire out.

It was decided that most of the hazardous materials, including plastics and tyres, had already been burnt, and there was little environmental benefit to tackling the blaze.

When they returned the burnt out wrecks of the vehicles were still on the site.

Syan Ventom, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, told the magistrates one partygoer had to be taken away in an ambulance and treated for smoke inhalation at the 2004 event.

He said the company had shown a total disregard for the abatement notice issued to prevent a second race taking place.

Chris Povey, for the Environment Agency, said: "We found that between 50-60 cars were being used in the car derby. The burning had a marked impact on the air quality with a plume of black smoke enveloping the village of Sherston.

"This caused distress and inconvenience to the people living there."

Zycko spokesman James Sherwood said: "Zycko acknowledges its involvement in this case, but as Mr Sweet is appealing against the court's decision we cannot pass any further comment at this time."

No appeal has yet been lodged.