RESIDENTS opposing plans to extend Cowdenhill Quarry are hoping that people power will put a stop to the proposals.
Around 1000 residents from Banknock and surrounding communities have signed petitions against plans to develop the quarry and install four new recycling plants, including a tar plant and concrete block-making facility.
Next Wednesday is D-Day for those who have been fighting the plans, as Falkirk Council's regulatory committee is due to make a decision on whether the proposals put forward by Skene Group Ltd – the quarry operator – get the green light.
Members of the committee visited the site last Tuesday morning, and they were left in no doubt about the strength of opposition to the proposals when over 150 residents turned out to protest.
Many of them wore masks to signify their concerns about the alleged health risks created by excess dust from the quarry, and at a meeting held at Banknock Community Centre afterwards, they were given the opportunity to air their views.
Central Scotland MSP Michael Matheson was among those who attended. "It was a packed meeting, and along with petitions signed by over 1000 people I think the community have made their views clear," he said. "I think those who spoke made a very persuasive case as to why this development should not be allowed to go ahead.
"The people of Banknock have made their views known to me over a long period of time that they do not want this quarry expanded.
"They feel that the increased lorry traffic and environmental pollution is too high a price to pay for their community.
"I am hopeful that councillors will realise the depth of opposition to these proposals, and I think the public meeting should have left them in no doubt about that."
John O'Donnell, a member of the campaign group Banknock Residents Against Cowdenhill Expansion (BRACE), said he was "surprised" to see such a strong turnout of people protesting against the plans, but delighted nonetheless.
The Coneypark resident added that the turnout was indicative of people's fears, and cited a number of concerns about the proposals.
These included fears over fire safety and pollution from the proposed tar plant, as well as the increased amount of dust and noise he claimed would be created by the development. "If this gets the go-ahead, then it will be a blight on our lives," he added.
However, Cowdenhill Quarry director Colin Murray said these fears are unfounded.
He claimed there was no risk of fire or toxic pollution from the proposed tar plant, and that plans to re-surface the road from the quarry would reduce dust pollution.
"There is a lot of misunderstanding about the proposals and I do not think that those who are protesting have read what our planning application entails," he said. "Planning officials have recommended this application for approval and there is no material reason why it shouldn't be awarded.
"Most of the protests about this development have come from people living in one particular area of Banknock. We have actually had a lot of support in favour of the proposals from people in the village."

r.turbyne@falkirkherald.co.uk