Parish Councils from across Suffolk have united in opposition to a new quarry which has been proposed in the Fynn Valley, Westerfield, north of Ipswich. 

Local councillors from Westerfield, Tuddenham St Martin and Swiland & Witnesham Parish Councils were also joined by Suffolk County Councillor for Carlford Division, Elaine Bryce and MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP, Patrick Spencer in a meeting on Thursday, October 24.

The meeting, held at Westerfield Village Hall, was the first meeting of a new campaign group Stop! the Quarry, formed to address the villagers' traffic, pollution and environment worries against the new plans. 

Parish Councillors from across Suffolk gathered in a meeting to voice their concerns over the quarry plans (Image: Elaine Bryce) East Suffolk Council District Councillor Colin Hedgley also attended the meeting and backed the group in their efforts and representatives from other councils are expected to join future meetings. 

The proposal for a new one million cubic metre size quarry north of Ipswich sparked fury amongst residents, with 348 objections being lodged on the plans. 

Commenting on the meeting, Cllr Bryce said “Understandably local residents in Westerfield and neighbouring communities are incredibly concerned by this proposal – 126 HGV movements per day through the village of Westerfield, which is already struggling with traffic congestion when the railway gates are down, is just outrageous.

The quarry plans would span over 16 years if they were to ahead.The quarry plans would span over 16 years if they were to ahead. (Image: Google Earth)  “The proposed site is wholly inappropriate in terms of its location and would cause permanent, irreversible damage to the local landscape, local communities and highways network. 

"I am also concerned that the HGV movements will impact neighbouring villages such as those in Swilland, Witnesham, Tuddenham and further afield – and after working to support these Parishes in improving road safety over the past three years, the thought of more HGVs on our rural roads is frankly absurd. 

"I fully support the communities in their opposition to the proposed quarry and will be standing side by side with them in their fight against it.”