Landfill plan sparks juggernaut concerns

The Fall Hill Landfill Action Group (FLAG) has been formed over concerns that “juggernauts full of waste” will be sent down narrow country lanes.

Civil engineering firm JC Balls has applied to begin landfill operations at Fall Hill Quarry near Ashover in north east Derbyshire, leading to the concerns.

Keith Horner, chairman of the FLAG group said many people living in the area were not aware of potential disruption they were facing.

He said the operation would see 32-tonne lorries making constant use of two routes that pass through Stretton, Woolley Moor, Old Tupton and Littlemoor over next three years.

Mr Horner added: “Residents along the route had no idea of what was proposed until we told them.”

Objections have now been voiced by people from Stretton, Littlemoor and the Brookfield Park community, as well as those who live close to the quarry itself in Ashover.

FLAG said that traffic on the roads in question is normally subject to a seven and half tonne limit and said there were additional concerns about noise, pollution and potential flooding.

There are also fears that pubs, restaurants, shops along the proposed route could suffer if the volume of heavy traffic deters visitors to the area.

Mr Horner said the group was urging anyone who shared FLAG’s concerns to get in touch with their local councillors.

He added: “We encourage anyone who is concerned about the proposal to ensure that their views are heard.

“We had over 60 residents at the last meeting of Ashover Parish Council. But the proposal affects several other local council areas.”

JC Balls said it did not want to comment until after a planning application was determined.