CONCERNED Cwrtnewydd residents have launched a petition against quarry plans which they fear will lead to harmful emissions and an increase in heavy vehicles travelling through their village.

Gerald D Harries & Sons Ltd has applied to Ceredigion council for a permit to start cement batching at Alltgoch Quarry.

But local campaigners are worried about health implications and are calling for a full structural survey to assess the state of the bridges and infrastructure in and around the village prior to County Hall reaching a decision.

“Whilst we understand that every effort is being made to reduce the risk, the plant is extremely close to Cwrtnewydd and an error could easily lead to harmful emissions entering the air,” said one.

“Concern is further raised by the close proximity of the new area school being built in Drefach and the harm any emissions could cause the pupils there.”

Another concern raised by residents is the impact on traffic through the village. They claim lorries travelling to the quarry are already causing a hazard on the narrow lanes and fear that further traffic will worsen the situation.

The council has previously received complaints about the HGVs associated with the quarry which villagers say have damaged verges, particularly between Cwrtnewydd and Capel y Groes.

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