Whatley Quarry

Whatley Quarry in Somerset, the biggest hole in Europe (the quarry that is, not Somerset), is planning an extension to increase its ability to supply roadstone for such schemes as the Batheaston Bypass (Solsbury Hill) and the Wells “relief” road. Local EF!ers, Freedom Network and FoE (about 50 people altogether) gathered at 6am at the quarry on June 8th, D-locked the gates, obstructed the quarry rail link and blocked the lorries. They left at 9am (to get to the Wells relief road action) with nobody arrested or hurt... only to return that afternoon as planners and councillors toured the quarry. Flares were let off, banners dropped and the blasting machine was made inoperational. Apparently it wouldn’t start again when we’d left it either - oh dear!. But as the FoE spokesperson said, "people who are literally blowing up Somerset’s countryside aren’t in much of a position to complain about criminal damage." More actions to come! Contact: Avon Gorge EF!: 01225 448556 or 01935 881975.