PEOPLE power has been hailed as the driving force behind an inspector's decision not to back an application for a huge sand quarry site stretching for miles around Euxton, near Leyland.

The Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan inspector's report follows a high profile campaign to stop construction firm Tarmac eating up acres of rural land off Runshaw Lane, in Euxton, for sand extraction. In his report to Lancashire County Council chiefs, planning inspector, Stephen Pratt, says: "I cannot support the site-specific allocation in this location suggested by objectors Tarmac."

Construction giant Tarmac had planned to extract millions of tons of sand and gravel from the site but, local residents vehemently objected and formed the action group ERASE (Euxton Residents Against Sand Extraction), backed by Euxton Parish Council, to fight the plan.

At the nine-month inquiry last year the group objected to having an 'eye-sore' quarry on their doorstep and were concerned that the increase in heavy lorries would add to existing traffic related problems.

In his report Mr Pratt recommended a reduction in the amount of high-grade sand needed for construction work and said a 'sequential approach' was needed with regard to site selection, to take into account other existing and smaller sites which could be developed.

ERASE spokesman Bruce Carlin said: "We're delighted with the inspection report. Many people gave up their spare time support this fight and we feel the inspector's decision vindicates their efforts."

County council chiefs say they plan to consider the report's issues and recommendations before proposing modifications to the draft plan.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.