Residents' anger over quarry plan

CONCERNED residents who fear traffic chaos if a sand and gravel quarry is built on their doorstep have been urged to attend a public meeting about the plans.

Bosses behind the controversial move - part of Suffolk County Council's minerals local plan - are set to be quizzed by community leaders and residents at tonight's meeting.

Parish councils in neighbouring Chilton and Great Waldingfield are united in their opposition, claiming lorries using the quarry would place an unbearable strain on the A134 - the scene of a number of serious accidents in recent months.

Waldingfield district councillor Colin Spence said: “I would urge any residents with concerns to attend the meeting.

“It is very important and I expect a lot of people to turn up as it is such a big issue for people living in the locality who I know are very concerned.”

Suffolk County Council has been urged to throw out the plans to dig up a 38-hectare site near Valley Road in Great Waldingfield to extract a million tons of raw materials when the application is formally submitted.

The site is one of many under public consultation and is included in the county council's minerals local plan from 1999 as well as a draft replacement plan currently in its early stages.

Mr Spence added: “I can remember the debate about this site seven years ago and there was a lot of opposition to it then. It is still a big issue as the area has changed so much and grown since then.”

Peter Clifford, chairman of Chilton Parish Council, said: “We have very serious concerns and the main problem for us is the proposed access on the worst part of the A134. It is already an accident blackspot and it could become absolutely horrendous.”

No-one from Brett Aggregates - the firm behind the quarry - was available for comment although representatives are expected to attend the meeting, which begins at 7.30pm tonight at Great Waldingfield Village Hall.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk