Quarry could be transformed into 400-acre leisure park
Sailing, cycling, horse riding and walking would be among the attractions as part of the development in Whiston.
Sibelco, formerly WBB Minerals, own the 400 acre quarry site, pictured, in the village, which is due to close in about 12 months.
The company decided to shut it after failing to secure planning permission from Staffordshire County Council to expand its operations closer to the village.
Now officials are in the process of working out what to do next with the site.
They have drafted in councillor Lionel Richardson to help on the project.
Mr Richardson, a district and parish councillor who has worked for the company for many years, said: "I have been contacted by senior representatives from Sibelco for advice and to co-operate with the opportunities offered by the Whiston quarry restoration plans.
"Over many years Whiston's relationship with the former owners were mutually co-operative and generally very good.
"However following WBB Minerals' planning application in 2006 to extend the quarry operation, the relationship became increasingly difficult and has caused divisions in the community itself.
"However the dynamics of the quarry operation have now changed dramatically with the entire premises now expected to cease production sometime in 2010.
"Restoration of this 400-acre site is now a challenge and an opportunity, not only for Sibelco UK but also the local communities.
"The close proximity to Alton Towers and a number of other tourist attractions provide an opportunity to cater for other leisure interests and in doing so bring employment and business interest to the area."
Mr Richardson said the main idea for the site was leisure pursuits including cycling, horse riding, sailing and walks.
This would enable leisure businesses to be run from the site and would help develop the Churnet Valley corridor.
And he quashed rumours that the site could be developed as land fill, an industrial estate, extended quarry or a prison.
A spokesman for Sibelco UK said: "We have recently met with both councillor Richardson and a representative of Oakamoor Parish Council to discuss the future of the site.
"This is at very early stages and while we have developed some initial conceptual ideas, we have to place these within the context of local planning policy.
"Hopefully we'll be in a position to discuss possible options with the wider community within the next few months."
Councillor Richardson added: "In the early 1990s Whiston rebuilt itself from the ashes of a copper smelter in Black Lane to become Staffordshire's Best Kept Village winner.
"Clearly there is work to be done, but I hope and expect we will respond constructively."
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