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DING debate ... the quarry at the heart of the row.
DING debate ... the quarry at the heart of the row.
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Ding Quarry plan a ‘recipe for tragedy’

Bethan Dorsett
6/11/2007

A GROUP which helped lead the fight against work at a Lanehead quarry over a decade ago is out in force once again.

The Ding Quarry Action Group has been busy delivering 3,000 flyers to homes across north Rochdale over a new plan for the site.

It says the bid submitted by Welsh-based firm D P Williams (Holdings) Ltd, asking for the council to confirm the conditions it must adhere to if it starts mining at Ding, is a ‘sure-fire recipe for tragedy.’

The same firm sparked outrage over a decade ago when it announced plans to work on the site, triggering an Observer-backed campaign during which angry residents even barricaded lorries to make their feelings known.

Declaring the quarry dormant, the council later imposed stringent working conditions which in effect ground the plans to a halt.

Many of the action group’s original members are once again joining forces as it steps up its campaign for a second time.

Its chairman is Dave Thomas.

"At first sight, the proposed operating conditions at Ding Quarry appear horrifying and the material that forms the application does nothing to dispel the feeling," he said.

"As has been made abundantly clear, this is not about planning consent, that issue is settled.

"Now we are trying to limit the damage the quarrying will do to the delicate moorland environment, consider the archaeology that will be destroyed and limit the reduction in the standard of living of everyone in the area and the terrible danger the proposed traffic will pose to road users in Rochdale.

"I cannot stress that last point enough – an HGV every two minutes from Monday to Saturday 7am to 6pm. It really is staggering.

"Imagine a gloomy, wet winter’s night and a 20-ton lorry, laden with stone, thundering downhill through Lanehead village and on through built-up residential areas.

"It is a sure-fire recipe for tragedy."

As part of the application, consultant Carter Jonas also states the firm wants to remove 28 million tons of stone from the site.

"As well as obliterating the archaeology of the moor, this wide-scale destruction will mean that the area can no longer be used by the people of Rochdale and tourists for walking, hiking, riding, birdwatching and generally enjoying themselves," added Mr Thomas.

"We have a riding school in Lanehead village – and there are others that use the same bridleway – and there is no chance of those people enjoying the bridleway if this madness goes ahead as planned.

"Lorries will make it impossible for riders to use an area that was part of an important national initiative, the riding schools risk closure and livelihoods will be put at risk."

As well as leafleting the area, the group is planning to attend a public meeting tonight at Spotland Stadium. Anyone wanting to contact the group can log on to www.dingquarry.co.uk.

Neither DP Williams nor Carter Jonas were available for comment as the Observer went to press.


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Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   For the gain of employment at the quarry which may create a couple of jobs there will be the possible loss of jobs at the stables, and the riding school. Plus the loss of tourism to the area. Drivers of cars that adhere to the speed limit are one thing, drivers of trucks on piecework DO NOT. Obviously you have never tried to keep up with a wagon laden with stone heading out of Britannia Quarry at Whitworth, or followed a lorry heading out of Scout Moor quarry down the A680, try following one in the wet when you have to avoid the trail of mud on the road. Rooley Moor road was never built for heavy goods vehicles, there is barely enough room for two cars to pass let alone a wagon heading downhill at speed on a wet road. It is a recipe for disaster. We won’t let ourselves down with our approach; DP Williams has done that in his determination of working conditions. Every person connected with the fight is working hard to keep these Lorries off our streets and to protect our moor land from further devastation
letbattlecommence, Rochdale
13/11/2007 at 10:31
   Why do these protestors let themselves down so quickly with their approach.

I quote 'lorries thundering down the hill', 'ruin the archeology'. etc. etc.

For the above read, lorries driving within the speed limit just as every car does, just as the campaigners do. For Archeology read, we have no idea whether there is any but thought it would sound good if we put it in our objection.

It's exactly the amateur like attitude that get's these scheme's the permission they need, so keep going and we can see the quarry in us and people in employment.

Thank you for your approach. Keep making it up as you go along.
HereHere
10/11/2007 at 11:39
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