Outcry forces end to stone-crushing plant in Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Outcry forces end to stone-crushing plant in Burnley

6:50pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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ANGRY residents forced County Hall bosses into a U-turn over a noisy stone-crushing plant.

People living in Burnley Road, Cliviger, woke to find a Lancashire County Council machine close to their homes was being used to turn used kerbs and flagstones into stones for footpaths.

Residents said the noise disrupted their sleep, covered gardens in dust and forced them to shut windows during the hottest week of the year.

It led them to call in local councillor David Heginbotham and hold a residents’ meeting, before complaining to council officers.

And yesterday, bosses admitted they have decided to stop using the site as a stone-crushing plant.

Burnley Road resident Pamela Greaves, 48, said: “A lorry arrived and suddenly they started crushing stones at 7am but they didn’t bother letting us know.

“We have got double-glazed windows but we could still hear it through them.

“It was horrendous, it affected our sleep and it left dust all over.

“We were up in arms about it but I am very pleased now they have decided not to go on with it.”

Stephen Crewdson, of Lancashire County Council, said: “A three-day trial took place at our Cliviger Mill Highways Depot.

"This involved crushing equipment arriving on site to recycle used kerbs and flagstones into a base for footway repairs.

“This was only a trial and we apologise for any inconvenience it may have caused. There are no plans to continue this.

“The site is used for storing supplies, such as for highway gritting, and it will continue to be used for this original purpose.”