Quarry haven hopes are dashed

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date online: 10 February 2010

Oldham Council cabinet

CAMPAIGNERS have been told that the cash-strapped council will not buy a controversial quarry and transform it into into a wildlife haven and leisure area.

Members of the Birks Quarry Action Group are demanding the council meets the owner of the Austerlands site as soon as possible.

And they want it to reach a deal to turn it into public open space.

The move comes after Royton-based company Opengoal Ltd failed to overturn an Environment Agency decision to refuse it a permit to tip at the quarry.

But boss Ervine Connell broke a year-long silence after last month’s decision to say that he would meet with action group and Oldham council representatives.

Action group spokesman Robert Knotts put the proposals to yesterday’s cabinet meeting.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said officers would be happy to meet with the owners to discuss potential, alternative uses for the site.

But he added: “Under the current economic climate, however, I am afraid that I am unable to give any commitment that the council would be prepared to acquire ownership of the quarry site.

“Any such proposal would have to be considered in the context of the council’s overall priorities and against a wide range of other projects in competition for the limited resources available.

“If we could get funding from the Government to secure ownership of the quarry that would be enormously helpful.”