I remain absolutely opposed to the quarry application in Knott End and Preesall.

On the back of the efforts of Matt Western MP in 2021 to address improvements to new quarry development in close proximity to settlements citing the vital need for health assessments in relation to silica dust, I am aware that there is now a Planning (Quarries) Bill 2022-23 Private Members Bill which is going through Parliament.

I have written to the Member of Parliament who has proposed the Bill, Paul Holmes, and offered my support. We need a change at Government level to planning rules to make sure that the risks of proposed quarrying sites to health and the environment – including through silica dust – are assessed as part of the planning process, and to make provision about the use of the quarries themselves for waste disposal; and for connected purposes.

I’ll be doing what I can to make changes at the national level, and stop local residents being subjected to hostile profit-led planning applications which have no regard for the health and wellbeing of the community.