Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Campaign crew is called back into action

Bethan Dorsett
30/10/2007

MOVES are afoot to re-form a group which successfully fought a controversial plan for a Lanehead quarry over a decade ago.

Surinder Biant, an ex-councillor, wants to get former members of the Ding Quarry Action Group back in action following news that another bid has been submitted to reopen the site.

The Welsh-based firm, DP Williams Holdings Ltd, sparked a public outcry in 1995 when it announced a plan to re-open the Lanehead quarry, but later pulled out when the council imposed stringent working conditions.

But now the Williams company is facing another fight with the public after it submitted a bid to the council asking for confirmation of the conditions that would be put in place if it started mining.

Mr Biant, a former Labour councillor for Healey, was among those who turned out at the original Observer-backed protest.

He is now supporting us once again in our campaign for residents to have their say in the controversial debate.

"I was arrested and put in the back of a police van after I stepped in front of the work lorries," he said.

"Once again I have concerns about the quarry. I worry that any work will create traffic chaos and ruin a place now being enjoyed almost like a nature reserve.

"This is why I am working with Councillor Ann Metcalfe to try and re-form Ding Action Group."

The Observer’s campaign has already gained support from political parties, residents and the campaign group Save Spodden Valley.

Now Spotland and Falinge’s Lib Dem councillors are also offering residents an additional way of joining the fight – by logging on to http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/dingquarry.

Councillor Greg Couzens said: "We have been inundated with calls since the news spread that DP Williams has put in an application to reopen Ding Quarry."

Others to have joined the fight are ex-councillor Norman Smith and Councillor Barbara Todd, who described it ‘as a case of déjà vu.’

Our posters will be available for free in this Saturday’s Observer. You can also have your say on the controversial bid and trace past stories by logging on to the dedicated Ding section on our website – www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk.

The website also contains a video report from our sister TV station Channel M.