The Bermuda Electric Light Company dumped a heavy load of soot on its neighbours yesterday -- drawing angry criticism from two West Pembroke homeowners at Astwood Close.

Home owners Mr. Vorhees Astwood and Mr. Peter Gordon angrily demanded that Belco make restitution for damages.

"It is not just today, but everyday and I am completely fed up'', said Mr.

Astwood.

"We made a mistake,'' said Belco spokesman Ms Linda Smith. "We started an engine that was down for testing and the soot build-up went undetected.'' While admitting yesterday's excessive emissions were unfortunate Ms Smith pointed out that Belco was continuously trying to control the problem.

"We certainly are sorry for any problems caused, but it is the price we pay in having an industrial complex in a residential area''.

Mr. Astwood claimed Belco was not trying hard enough.

"The first thing everyday I have to wash off my truck,'' he said. The self-employed tiler said he could not do business driving around with a soot streaked truck.

Belco have regularly painted roofs in the Astwood Close area, but the two men maintain their cars are being damaged and soot was draining into their tanks.

"I am also concerned about the water,'' said Mr. Astwood. Ms Smith said there was no health hazard.

"We check tanks periodically with health authorities and there has never been a problem,'' she said.

While sympathetic about the inconvenience caused by the sooty emissions, Ms Smith pointed out that they were mainly a nuisance problem.

Belco has recently installed new cleaning equipment to minimise the problem.

"We are constantly trying to reduce soot'', she said.

Concerning the two men, Ms Smith pointed out that Belco had created a special environmental department to deal with such complaints.

"If they contact us we will try and help,'' she said. "We created a mess last night and are willing to straighten it out.'' A FILTHY MESS - Mr. Peter Gordon (left) and Mr. Vorhees Astwood show emissions from Belco that landed on their property.