Cheddar MP James Heappey recently visited Batts Combe quarry to see the site and to raise local concerns about dust, traffic and damage to roads.
Batts Combe quarry employs 21 local people directly, a further 29 indirectly and provides work for many local businesses too. Owners Hanson have won the contract for supplying stone to the Hinkley C development which is welcome news for the company but will mean some additional traffic on Cheddar’s roads.
Mr Heappey visited the quarry to be fully briefed on their operation in Cheddar and on Hanson’s wider role in supplying stone to the Hinkley build. Discussions included the movement of stone from Hanson’s other Mendip quarry at Watley and the impact that might have on traffic in Glastonbury. He also discussed concerns raised by local residents about the impact of the quarry lorries on both the cleanliness and condition of nearby roads.
“Quarrying is an important part of our local economy with many jobs depending on the industry” said Mr Heappey. “Whilst supporting these longstanding Mendip businesses, I also wanted to make sure that the quarries are doing all they should to be good neighbours.”
“We had a good look at Warrens Hill and it was clear that the wheel wash at the quarry’s exit is not working as well as it should. I am pleased that Hanson have agreed to look at improving the wash down process for trucks leaving the quarry and have committed to sending a road cleaner along Warrens Hill and the other nearby roads used by quarry traffic more frequently.”
“I will also be contacting the County Council about a number of pot holes on the route and will be encouraging them to work with Hanson to ensure the road is in an appropriate condition to support the regular movement of heavy vehicles.”
Hanson spokesman David Weeks said: “Quarrying has been an important industry in Cheddar for more than 100 years and will be around for many more years to come. We were delighted to show James around the site to explain the process and show him the improvements we have made to minimise the impact on our neighbours. It’s vital that we remain an accepted and acceptable part of the village community.”