We have so few answers to many quarry questions

I WOULD like to bring to your readers' attention information concerning the planning application to deepen and extend the Knutton and Silverdale quarry. The size of this is approximately half-a-mile long and a quarter-of-a-mile wide and possibly more than 115-feet deep. Upon completion of the extraction of marl, this will then be filled with an estimated 23 billion gallons of water at its fullest.

Early in September, our Labour county councillor was informed of the planning applications, and I do not believe anyone else was notified. The county council consultation period is 14 days.

Councillor Eileen Braithwaite was informed of the applications on September 23. The closing date for the representations was September 26. Staffordshire County Council issued letters to inform residents of the consultation but many did not receive theirs until after the closing date.

Councillor Braithwaite notified Councillor Derrick Huckfield, who discussed the matter with Staffordshire County Council's planning officer Mike Grundy, who agreed to extend the period in order for people to submit their objections. At this point Councillor Huckfield quickly distributed a leaflet informing residents of the impending applications.

David Leech then followed this up with a leaflet telling people that he was keeping them informed.

Is this Labour councillors' procedure? Informing people once the closing date has passed? If it were not for Councillor Derrick Huckfield circulating his leaflet, people would not have known what was really happening.

Does this sound at all familiar? Was this not the method adopted concerning the skip site and the potential closure of Brighton House? So many questions, so few answers, and so much misinformation.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind your readers that Councillor Huckfield and Alderman Bill Hughes have organised a public meeting at St Luke's Church on Monday, November 17 at 7pm.

Staffordshire County Council Mineral and Planning Officers have agreed to attend the meeting to discuss the proposals.

A J LIVERSAGE Silverdale