A QUARRYING firm is breaking rules laid down by planning chiefs - and its site near Accrington could be closed down if it does not step into line, the county council warned today.

Work is taking place during weekends at a slate quarry near Mitchell's House Reservoir, off King's Highway, Huncoat - in breach of conditions imposed by Lancashire County Council when planning permission was granted last month.

Work was allowed to start on condition Stone Slate Craft Centre submitted plans on how it would make the quarry environmentally safe. But these plans have not been handed in and the council has expressed concern that the area, which is used by walkers, may be spoiled.

The county council have given the firm until next Friday to submit plans for improving King's Highway, restoring the site and marking out extraction areas. If plans are not received and the firm continues to operate, the quarry will be closed down.

County council development control chairman Coun Terry Burns said: "We put conditions on this quarry when we granted planning permission to control its impact on the environment. It is important that these conditions are obeyed to protect the area. We will take action to stop the development if necessary."

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