‘Disappointing’ way to express groups’ issues

IN A statement to the

Post & Times, Peter Swallow of Laver Leisure said: “It is disappointing that Whiston Action Group and Churnet

Valley Conservation Society have chosen to scaremonger, rather than speak with us directly about their concerns.

“I am afraid this has been their approach throughout the whole of the application process.

“Had they spoken with us, we would have been able to explain what was highlighted by our geological consultant’s thorough assessment and the detailed remedy which is proposed in our current planning application.

“The consultant’s

‘Safety & Stability Statement’, and indeed the comments raised by the objectors, are only relevant to a very small area of this site, a minor part of what was ‘Quarry 3’. The statement sets out very clearly that a rock rubble slope will be placed underwater and along with other measures will maintain the stability of the quarry in this particular location.

“These works will take place as part of the earthworks required to facilitate the delivery of Moneystone Park and are explained in detail within the Reserved Matters planning application.

“We are confident this application will be presented to a planning committee soon. If approved, we can then get on with delivering Moneystone Park, which will create around 250 new jobs, 230 construction jobs and a further 78 off-site jobs at a time when the local economy looks to recover from the pandemic.

“We are aware from the feedback we have received the project is well-supported by locals and businesses alike.”