Gwent | Archive | 2002 | September | 4
From the South Wales Argus, first published Wednesday 4th Sep 2002.
MORE than 100 campaigners staged a silent protest as Gwent councillors considered controversial plans for a recycling plant. Members of the Risca Quarry Action Group, pictured, held placards as and Caerphilly council officers and the planning committee visited the Darran Quarry in Risca. Construction firm Hanson, which runs quarries including one in Machen, wants to create a recycling facility on the site, which it would lease from the council. It would be capable of handling 70,000 tonnes of material per year - and would see about six lorries travelling through Risca and Cross Keys every hour. Jenni Long, spokeswoman for the action group said: "The protest went very well with well over 100 people turning up with banners and placards. There were also many new faces from Cross Keys at the protest which just shows that the word is still spreading. "I don't think the planning committee or Hanson were left in any doubt how strong we feel about the proposed recycling facility. I think from the start they underestimated the reaction this would provoke." Twelve councillors visited the quarry with council officers, and spent an hour locked in discussion. Unusually, the planning chairman, councillor Malcolm Parker, addressed the protesters following the site meeting and fielded a series of questions. Islwyn AM Brian Hancock also attended and spoke to protesters about their campaign. Action group chairman Keith Dixon said: "The location of the quarry is totally unsuitable for an industrial facility of this nature which can only be accessed along roads through the heart of our community." The protesters held a meeting later at the Darran Pub in Risca attended by Islwyn MP Don Touhig. He said: "I'm totally opposed to this application on three separate grounds. Firstly, it is too close to housing, and it is adjoining an area of beauty with the canal which the council intend to spend millions on developing. Thirdly, access to the facility for large trucks is through a built-up area." No one from Hanson was available for comment. The application will be discussed by the planning committee next Wednesday.
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