VILLAGERS have expressed their disappointment after plans to grant a vast extension to a Rossendale quarry were passed.

Residents in Edenfield have lost their six-year fight to stop the 60-acre extension of Scout Moor Quarry.

The saga started in 1998 when Lancashire County Council refused planning permission.

The developers, Marshalls, appealed against the decision and a public inquiry was held in 2002.

Residents, with the backing of the valley's MP Janet Anderson, opposed the development, arguing the extension would create traffic chaos, affect house prices and create a health risk.

The Office of Deputy Prime Minister has approved the proposals with the condition that no more than 225 heavy good vehicles leave the site on weekdays and 112 on Saturdays.

Today, Edenfield residents spoke of their disappointment on losing their battle after they were sent a report from the ODPM.

Chairman of the Edenfield Residents' Association,Tony Graham said the association wanted to continue the good relationship it had with Marshalls and said they were opposed to the traffic impact, not the extra quarrying.

He said: "We were concerned about the environmental situation for Edenfield.

"If you look at the report there are no considerations about the impact on Edenfield regarding the extra traffic.

"There was no consideration given to the people of Edenfield. We are utterly disappointed."

Paul Bradburn, who lives in Dean Close, said there is not a lot residents can do about the decision.

He said: "I think we are resigned to it. The legal process has gone through and we are deeply disappointed.

"We fought a hard campaign that cost a lot of time and money."

Dougall Anderson, managing director of Marshalls' natural stone division said the extension would start within three years and the company would continue its present traffic flows of between 100 to 150 lorries leaving daily when work in the extension commenced.

He said: "Marshalls is pleased it has secured the long term future of its employees who live in the area.

"We remain committed to being a good neighbour and operating sensitively to the local community."