EAST Lancashire MP Nigel Evans has written to Environment Minister Michael Meacher requesting a public inquiry into a controversial quarry.

Protesters have launched a campaign to get Castle Cement's plan to excavate 30 million tonnes of limestone from a Clitheroe beauty spot "called in" by the Department of the Environment.

Lancashire County Council gave the go-ahead for the cement firm to reactivate Bellman Quarry on the proviso that a public inquiry on the matter wasn't called within five weeks.

Now residents campaigning against the proposal are writing to the minister, asking him to call the inquiry and "let them have their say."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans is backing their campaign "as a matter of urgency."

A spokesman for the protesters said: "We are asking people to join us in writing to Michael Meacher, requesting an inquiry.

"It is vital that local residents have their say on what will be the biggest quarry in the north of England."

The MP said it was important that Ribble Valley residents were given the chance to "air their views."

"The quarry will effect the lives of local people for generations and it is vital that the present one has its say.

"A public inquiry is the only way forward and it should be called as a matter or urgency."

Letters for or against the quarry should be sent to Michael Meacher, Department of the Environment, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU.

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