Madam,

I am writing in response to the article Anger as quarry traffic likely to increase.

Alltgoch Quarry has been in operation since 1928 employing many local people and their families during this period – a number of which remain in the area even after retiring. Currently two members of staff have over 58 years of service between them. It is difficult to believe the statement “trotting out this old chestnut about creating jobs at a time of austerity”. I think you will find our employees jobs are important to them hence their loyal and lengthy service.

The negative press is being generated by a minority of residents who have moved into the area over recent years (despite a quarry being in existence when they actually purchased their properties) and are making our lives very difficult in running a business, which is actually generating an economy in the area.

It has been a very difficult six months for many businesses with a number of casualties including Carillion and long-established companies such as Toys R Us, so I am at a loss as to why when activity levels increase that it is met with a constant battle.

The reason “there is no-one with any power to do anything about what is going on” is simple - there is no law being broken as all quarry vehicles, regardless of size, have every right to be on the unrestricted public highway as with any car/HGV/agriculture vehicle etc.

It is not only our quarry vehicles using our country roads, and yet we are being targeted for the poor condition of the surfaces. It is public knowledge that the state of the roads extends to the whole of the UK and is not restricted in any way to Cwrtnewydd and the surrounding areas.

The current contract which is the ‘hot potato’ involves fulfilling an order to a local wind farm. The initial order was completed and, due to the efficiency with which we delivered this order, we have been awarded a further order which will be completed within the next couple of months.

As a business we do consider the welfare of our local residents by displaying notices to our customers and following rules and regulations as stipulated by the local authority.

We pride ourselves on our corporate responsibility in giving back via local organisations – employing local people, paying considerable taxes and being available at all times to meet with any residents who have concerns. We, like the residents, would welcome a meeting with MP Ben Lake to discuss how a quarry can operate without lorry movements.

Yours etc,

Ian Harries, managing director, Alltgoch Quarry, Cwrtnewydd.

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