Refill plan hits a snag
PLANS to refill underground caverns left by mining may stall after hundreds of residents made their opposition known.
More than 900 objections have been registered since proposals for work at Braidbar quarry were made public, with just 57 people writing in favour.
The news is music to the ears of Hands off Huntly action group members. A spokesman told The Extra: "We are absolutely delighted so many people have made their feelings known to East Renfrewshire council.
"When we started our campaign there were 100 objections and we said we needed at least 500 before the council would take notice.
"To generate double that amount is a phenomenal success and shows the strength of feeling in the area."
A council spokesman responded: "With any proposal of this magnitude we would expect a large response.
"This will be taken into account when the issue goes to the planning committee for determination."
HOHAG is opposed to the proposal primarily because it will lead to the closure of part of the park for up to two years.
Mum-of-two Elaine Boyes (40) is among objectors. She regularly visits Huntly with daughter Alex (10) and son Callum (12).
Elaine commented: "We understand this is something that has to be done but we're protesting the scale of the work.
"Trees will be lost and the traffic impact will be horrendous. This is our dear green place and we'll do everything we can to stop it being dug up.
"There must be a better way without digging up the whole site, closing the park for two years and pumping water 24 hours a day."
However, some in the area feel the project is crucial.
For homeowners on Forres Avenue the filling of underground caverns will remove a blight on their homes, leaving them free to sell their properties.
Resident Audrey Turnbull (59) said: "We have been waiting 25 years for a solution and if this plan isn't approved I'm not sure what else the council can do to solve the problem.
"It's not just the houses that are under affected. Public land has been deemed unsafe. There is an area at the back of Huntly park which is fenced off but people still walk their dogs and children still play there.
"The reverse-mining work would be of long-term benefit to everyone because a large amount of land could then be reclaimed for public use."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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