Local concern at Plumpton sand pit reopening

11.06.26pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Dec 2006

Norman and Tom are watching the development closely.

Local residents in Plumpton are increasingly concerned about the potential impact of reopening the nearby sand pit before the end of this year.

The pit is anticipated to be in commercial use by Christmas 2006. There has been a liaison group set-up to monitor the project, but there are still serious public misgivings about the venture.

With an expected working life of 10 years, if plans go ahead unaltered there could be a major long-term impact on the area.

Local Lib Dem campaigner, Tom Hawthorne, says: "There are major questions about the potential impact of heavy traffic trundling through local villages, and in particular parking on Plumpton Lane. This is despite initial promises to bypass this problem by using roads to the south.

"We must ensure that the local environment and quality of life for residents is not sacrificed for the needs of business. I will be watching very closely to ensure that the needs of local people are not pushed aside in favour of the needs of business."

Local MP, Norman Baker, is also keeping a close eye on developments at the pit: "Having visited the site with Tom in the summer it is clear to me that the potential impact of reopening the pit could be very damaging if handled poorly.

"I will be working with Tom and the Parish Council to ensure that everything possible is done to minimise the effects of renewed activity at the site. I hope that the liaison group will be able to get the extraction company to take a responsible attitude to all of this."