ENVIRONMENT Secretary John Gummer has been urged to veto Lancashire County Council proposals for limestone quarrying in the Clitheroe area.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has written to Mr Gummer protesting against the proposals.

He said: "The new Lancashire minerals and waste local plan would be a disaster for our area.

"While saying that there will be no quarrying in this area until the year 2006, it would still ensure that this land was earmarked for future quarrying.

"In one part of the plan it talks about preserving the countryside and ensuring it remains attractive.

"Yet it goes on to contradict itself with this plan to destroy one of the most attractive areas within the Ribble Valley.

"I oppose any moves that could endanger two of my villages, beautiful open countryside and an area which attracts many tourists.

"We will not stand idly by and witness the raping of our countryside. We will fight this proposal to the bitter end."

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