Whatley Victory

The proposed 85-acre expansion of Whatley Quarry, which would require closure of the old lane running across the site, has been blocked. Quarry operators ARC were refused permission at a public enquiry which disputed the need for a hundred million more tonnes of roadstone. This is a victory for campaigners, after nearly a decade of direct action, and a U-turn in government policy. However, the court case of three people accused of the cutting the railway line to Whatley Quarry continues; results expected this month.