QUARRY campaigners are making a final appeal for support after being inundated with requests for details on how to join the campaign.

Next Monday, April 20, is the deadline for comments on planning appeals in relation to Town Farm Quarry in Norley, which are being opposed by a group of residents.

The Stop The Tip group was set up last month to fight plans to carry out major restoration work at the quarry and to excavate a new area of sand.

The group says approval for the plans would result in thousands of tipper truck movements through Acton Bridge, Kingsley, Crowton and Weaverham.

Villagers who share its concerns are being asked to write to the Planning Inspectorate at Bristol, which is to rule on appeals by The Starkey Family Trust against the non-determination by Cheshire West and Chester Council of applications in relation to the quarry.

“Two hundred people have been in touch over the past two weeks asking for information about how to send representations to the Inspectorate,” said Stop The Tip member Philip Edwards from Crowton.

“I am delighted with the response from the public, which has exceeded all our expectations, and I’m glad to see people are getting together on this issue.

“People are concerned about the noise and nuisance from HGVs, particularly the fumes and dust.

“Road safety is also a particular issue, as most of the roads around here are narrow and windy, and the route to the quarry passes through three village centres.

“There is still time for people to get in touch, and the more residents who put representations in the better.”

People are asked to write to the Inspectorate detailing their personal experience of the HGV movements through the villages, as well as endorsing a technical report being produced by the group.

Philip is suggesting that people email their concerns to the Inspectorate, although they can also post them.

The campaign group is set to continue whatever the outcome of the appeals to seek a comprehensive survey of the quarry site to establish the current restoration levels and how much more material needs to be brought in.

“We have had six years of restoration, and residents have been very patient, but now they feel there needs to be a timetable to get the quarry restored, finished and back to farmland,” said Philip.

For details on how to register your views email stopthetip@btinternet.com.