More than 300 local residents and families from Bengeo Primary School attended a meeting on Sunday in support of a campaign against proposals for a quarry in Bengeo. The meeting, held on the playing fields next to Sacombe Road, was a great opportunity to inform residents about the plans and to appeal to them to make their objections known to Hertfordshire County Council before the deadline on 2nd May.
Sacombe Rd resident Aska Wisniewska-Pickering, who was one of those who initiated the campaign two weeks ago, addressed the crowd, along with Councillor Andrew Stevenson and parent governor at Bengeo Primary School Dr David Adam. Aska said: “It is so important that people in Bengeo and across Hertford and the villages know about this proposal as it will create congestion, noise and disruption, and it will expose residents and schoolchildren to harmful pollutants generated by the gravel extraction. We really need everyone to spread the word and write their objections before the May deadline. This is a beautiful field that so many Hertford families use regularly for walks and cycle rides. We hope that together we can stop Bengeo quarry from going ahead.”
The site earmarked for the quarry is just 320 metres away from the primary school and as close as 30 metres to some homes. Those supporting the Stop Bengeo Quarry campaign are concerned that the mineral extraction which will be carried out at the quarry could impact on the 500 young children who attend the school (in any given year) will be exposed to silica dust particles known to cause health issues.
Campaigners are also concerned that the B158 Wadesmill Road, where lorries will enter and exit the quarry will become even more congested and dangerous as it is anticipated that around 100 large lorries will be entering and leaving the site six days a week from 7am.
Campaigners have organised a meeting on Friday 22nd April at 7.30pm at Bengeo Primary School to discuss the proposals in more depth. All are welcome to attend.