Michael Fabricant has welcomed the statement by Staffordshire County Council that they reject the Government’s target for sand and gravel extraction in the County. Michael says: "This reassurance will be good news and a considerable relief to local campaigners who marched at Kings Bromley last Sunday" (27th September). "Staffordshire already extracts more than its fair share of gravel in the region. Cllr Robert Marshall’s statement will give comfort to many in the County – not just at Kings Bromley – who fear that their local environment will be destroyed forever."

County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, Councillor Robert Marshall says "The new Conservative administration does not accept the Government target for sand and gravel extraction in Staffordshire. We are committed to reducing both the tonnage and the percentage of sand and gravel that Staffordshire provides out of the West Midlands allocation…… We think it is unreasonable and unfair that Staffordshire bears such a big brunt of the minerals extraction. Whilst we recognise that Staffordshire has good minerals reserves and it is a thriving industry, we have to get the balance right. Local people need to be protected from the adverse impact of sand and gravel extraction".

Michael Fabricant adds: "The fight against further gravel extraction in sensitive areas is not over, but it’s good that the Council is on-side with this and can participate in the fight".