Plan to drain deaths quarry
A WATER-FILLED quarry where two teenagers have died could be drained within months if an application to the Environment Agency is allowed.
The East Quarry in Appley Bridge, Wigan, is a popular spot for youngsters on sunny days despite repeated warnings from authorities. Perimeter fencing has been installed in a bid to stop people from entering the water, but many people ignore it.
Miracle Godson, 13, died in the quarry recently after getting into difficulties in the water. He’s the second young person to lose their life at the quarry in the 21 years.
But now, the owners of the site, Maybrook Investments, say they have applied to the Environment Agency to drain the water out of the quarry.
Peter O’Dowd, who runs the firm, says he is waiting on the goahead to begin the process so his company can fill in the quarry with soil and other inert material to pave the way for future development on the site.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency confirmed that they had received a request.
They said: “The Environment Agency received an application to remove water from the quarry in Appley Bridge.
“We have contacted the applicant and we are waiting for further information to support this application before it can be progressed.
“If members of the public are concerned about trespass and public safety issues they should contact the police.”
Mr O’Dowd says he is often asked if he can do more to stop people from trespassing onto the site. He said: “There are a lot of young lads from places where there is not much to do – a lot of visitors aren’t from the area, you see. But if you remove the risk, there’s no temptation.”
If drained, Mr O’Dowd says water would flow from the quarry through Calico Brook and into the River Douglas.