EDENFIELD could be nicknamed "Hellfield" by campaigners who this week found out they have lost their lengthy battle to stop a mass extension to a village quarry.

Marshalls PLC has been given the green light to extend its operation by 60 acres by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which overruled a decision by Lancashire County Council in 1998 to reject the application.

Chairman of the Edenfield Residents Association Tony Graham told the Bury Times: "We are very disappointed with the decision. We are not against the quarry but there was no need to extend the operation.

"This will mean an increase in traffic on the roads. We already have wagons coming from Horncliffe tip. Now there are plans to build a Wind Farm in Edenfield, the village will become 'Hellfield'."

Villagers objected against the extension on the grounds of an increase in traffic and that their quality of life would be affected.

Lancashire County Council agreed with the residents and refused the application on the grounds that "there was no need for the development, that the movement of heavy goods vehicles would have an unacceptable impact on the amenities of local residents and that they would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape".

But following an appeal, Marshalls PLC has been given permission to go ahead with its plans under certain conditions, which include restricting the number of heavy goods vehicles leaving the site during the week to 225 and 112 on Saturdays.

"This offers no reassurance; it still means many wagons will be using the roads," said Mr Graham.

He added: "We have lost the campaign, but we fought hard and people cannot turn around and say that we did not try."

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "The decision will now enable the development of Scout Moor Quarry to continue in a properly planned manner and operate under modern-day planning conditions that seek to minimise the impact of the development on local communities and the environment, and allow the site to be properly restored on completion of quarrying.

"Since the inquiry was held, a local quarry liaison group has been established with representatives of the county council, the quarry operators and local residents, which has served to raise awareness of issues and concerns, with a view to addressing them."