CAMPAIGNING residents look to have won their battle to block quarry companies from moving into a Ribble Valley beauty spot.

Plans to allow limestone quarrying at the picturesque village of Sawley sparked off fury in the area.

A county council document called Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local plan had originally included proposals to allow operators to quarry for limestone in the area.

There has also been speculation that firms have been getting ready to move in once the local plan was adopted.

But county hall bosses have now decided to do a u-turn and remove Sawley following the furore from local residents.

The plan led to more formal objections than any other part of the report with letters from over 600 residents. Local councillors have also been campaigning against the proposals. Ribble Valley South West councillor Chris Holtom said: "This is a victory for common sense and team work.

"Although we are not yet past the winning post and the plan has still to be adopted by the full planning committee I think we can start celebrating."

Coun Holtom added: "It would have been a terrible mistake to have let a quarry company to move into an area of outstanding natural beauty.

"We should recognise the team work of the residents who set up action groups to fight this move and councillors who supported their campaign."

Despite objections from residents work will continue at Bellman Quarry near Clitheroe. The minerals extracted are used in the cement making process.

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