Local residents express deep concerns over the impact of a new quarry on their lives and environment.
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In the serene landscape of Rhynie, a battle is brewing as local residents unite against plans for a new quarry that threatens to disrupt their tranquil way of life. The proposed site, spanning 30 acres and nearly 900 feet deep, has ignited fears among the community about environmental degradation and the potential impact on their health and well-being.
Residents voice their concerns
Victoria Nunn, a resident who has fought her own health battles, is at the forefront of the opposition. After relocating from Cambridgeshire, she and her family found solace in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings of Rhynie.
“If I didn’t recover or my cancer came back, I wanted to be here… Not in the smog and dust of the city,” she shared, highlighting her concerns about increased traffic and pollution from the quarry.
Victoria’s daughter, who has autism, also faces challenges with the potential changes to their environment. “The stress of settling was huge, and now potentially we are going to go back to having a lot of traffic going past her bedroom window,” she expressed, emphasizing the emotional toll the quarry could take on her family.
Community mobilizes against the quarry
In response to the quarry proposal, Victoria quickly mobilized the community by creating the ‘Say no to the Craig Quarry’ Facebook group and launching an online petition that garnered around 250 signatures in just four days. “It’s going to destroy the area and my daughter’s future because she’s never going to be able to live the peaceful life that she needs,” she lamented.
Residents gathered at Castle Craig to discuss their concerns, with Andrew Foreman, the castle owner, expressing his worries about the quarry’s impact on local wildlife and the environment. “We’ve got red squirrels, eight species of bat, badgers, and great crested newts. This area is special, and the quarry would disrupt that,” he stated.
Local leaders weigh in on the issue
Local councillor Jeff Goodhall, who has recused himself from the quarry debate, echoed the community’s sentiments. “I took soundings from community councils and other organizations in the area, and no one has a good word to say about this development,” he remarked. His concerns align with those of many residents who fear the quarry will bring significant disruption to their lives.
Despite the community’s opposition, Leiths (Scotland), the company behind the quarry proposal, argues that the development is essential for meeting the rising demand for building materials. They claim that the site has been specifically selected for its unique quality of asphalt sand, which is crucial for construction projects across the region.
Environmental and community impact
As the community prepares for the upcoming decision on the quarry, the stakes are high. Residents fear that the quarry will not only disrupt their lives but also have lasting ecological consequences. “It’s just a case of another small community being destroyed for no good reason,” Victoria expressed, capturing the sentiment of many who cherish the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings.
The fate of the quarry remains uncertain, but the voices of the Rhynie community are clear: they are determined to protect their home and the environment they hold dear.
