Quarry future in the spotlight

CAMPAIGNERS have asked Oldham Council to consider a land-swap with the owner of a controversial quarry in a bid to resolve issues.

The Birks Quarry Action Group made the request after meeting council chief executive Charlie Parker to discuss options for the site on the A62 Oldham-Huddersfield road in Austerlands.

The council said it was willing to meet Ervine Connell, of Royton-based Opengoal Limited, who owns the quarry.

Now, in a letter to Mr Parker they state: “Mr Connell wishes to dispose of the quarry. He has been advised that he has a live planning permission to extract stone, but would prefer not to reactivate that permission if he can reach a settlement with Oldham Council.

“He says he understands the financial situation the council faces so he would be willing to accept a land or buildings swap with the council so the possibility of a future landfill site or re-opening the site for blasting and quarrying of stone is avoided.”

And, in a subsequent letter to Elaine McLean, executive director of the economy, places and skills, they suggest the meeting with Mr Connell should consider negotiating a settlement.

The letter reads: “We are hopeful Oldham Council will now use the opportunity with the owner that lifts the blight from the area by turning the quarry into public open space.

“One of the principal aims of any public authority is to improve quality of life. Consequently, we need to create, protect and enhance these spaces and make them a vital part of making neighbourhoods more attractive.”

Mr Connell broke his year-long silence and met an action group representative after saying he was willing to talk about the quarry’s future.

Some weeks ago, the Environment Agency said they had been advised the appeal by Mr Connell’s company against the decision to refuse a permit to tip at the quarry, had been dismissed.