Battling to stop super-quarry (From Barry And District News)

Battling to stop super-quarry

THE FIGHT to stop a massive super-quarry taking over a scenic hillside around Michelstone-le-Pit is gathering strength.

The quarry would cover around 25 acres, an area similar to the largest of the Cosmeston lakes, and threatens irreplaceable woodland and wildlife.

The battle to prevent the planning application for the Wenvoe blasting area extension has been joined by Plaid Cymru.

A delegation including Jill Evans MEP and Vale party leader Chris Franks visited the proposed site last Thursday.

Graeme Jones, of the Glamorgan Conservation Group, explained: "Local people have farmed, preserved and conserved this landscape for hundreds of years. It has a rich history, diverse wildlife and a stunning beauty. If this extension gets the go-ahead, ancient woodland, hedgerows and pastures will be lost forever."

The site is also close to Woodland Trust walks through Cwm George and Park Wood.

Graeme said: "I believe the proposal goes against Welsh Assembly Government planning policy which seeks to protect ancient woodlands, hedgerows and pastures together with all its associated plants and wildlife."

Jill Evans MEP said: "This quarry must be stopped. People will be devastated when they realise the full extent of the quarry company's plans.

"The proposals will mean some magnificent country walks will be destroyed. I fully back the opposition to this super-quarry. It will have an enormously damaging impact on the surrounding farmland."

The woodland, which is covered in ferns, lichen and mosses, dates back 10,000 years to the Ice Age.

It is also home to rare and endangered species including skylarks, song thrushes, lapwings and yellow hammers as well as buzzards, woodpeckers, kestrels and tawny owls.

Rare plants such as helleborine, herb paris, green flowers and black fruit also grow in the area.

Other ancient plants found in the woodland are bluebells, primroses, cuckoo-pints and dogs mercury.

Graeme added: "Locals will be affected by industrial noise levels every day - there's drilling, crushing, the conveyor belt clanks all the time."