Michael Fabricant joined around 120 residents of Alrewas on Saturday
afternoon (13th June) on a walk to see for himself the effect gravel
extraction from the Wychnor North (Orgreave) site would have on the
village and surrounding district. Michael says "I was horrified to see
what devastation it will cause to the environment and to the quality of
life to villagers not only in Alrewas but Kings Bromley and Barton under
Needwood too.

"Gravel extraction west of the A38 should not be permitted.

"At a time when we should be preserving the countryside and encouraging
the growing food at home instead of importing produce, it would be
unforgivable if permission were granted to rip up agricultural land.

"The hedgerows and fields support a wide range of wildlife including
hares, lapwings, cuckoos, and rarer breeds. I walked with residents
alongside wheat fields and was told by local farmers that the land also
produces carrots, onions and potatoes as well as cereal crops. All this
would be destroyed for ever by gravel extraction. And environmental
experts tell me that flooding could become far worse in the surrounding
area.

"I do not accept assurances from the gravel companies that heavy trucks
moving millions of tons of gravel each year will only use the A38. The
A513 through Kings Bromley and Yoxall already suffer from excessive use
by juggernauts; this will be made much worse by gravel extraction even
closer to those villages.

"Staffordshire extracts more than its fair share of gravel imposed on it
by the West Midlands Region. The Conservative Party has already stated
that in Government they would scrap regional policies on housing; I will
aim to ensure that diktats from Birmingham on gravel extraction will be
scrapped too.

"I shall now inform Staffordshire County officials of my total
opposition to these proposals. I urge everyone affected to make their
views knows to Matthew Griffin, Minerals Policy Team Leader,
Staffordshire County Council, Riverway, Stafford ST16 3TJ too."
Concerned residents can also email him on mat.griffin@staffordshire.gov.uk