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ECO WARRIORS

Behind the neat gardens and net curtains, Stanton Lees harbours a quiet revolution.

In an unlikely alliance, ‘eco-warriors’ and frustrated residents are uniting to fight the same battle.

Both are determined to stop proposed quarries near the ancient Nine Ladies Stone Circle at Stanton Lees in Derbyshire.

Landscape under threat

Stanton Stone Co. Ltd. are proposing to reopen three old quarries that have been dormant for almost 50 years.

They are overgrown and blend well into the beautiful Peak District landscape.

Residents had hoped that they would stay that way to avoid the following problems.

Possible effects of reopening the quarries

• Degradation of the beautiful countryside
• Dangerous lorry traffic on unsuitable roads
• Decimation of wildlife habitats
• Noise and dust pollution
• Threat to local water supply
• Adverse effect on visitors and tourism
  

Modern Robin Hoods

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One group of eco-warriors are so determined to stop the quarries, they have been camping at the quarry site for three years since the applications were submitted.

Due to their camp’s location at the heart of Sherwood Forest, they are being hailed ‘modern day Robin Hoods’.

Slag

Mother of two Lesley Wilson is also fiercely backing anti-quarry movements.

Residents supply the eco-warriors with food parcels

But unlike Bangles, she lives in a semi, cooks on an Aga and buys her food from the supermarket.

Lesley is part of SLAG, the Stanton Lees Action Group.

They have joined forces with the eco-warriors.

Opposition

Inside Out questioned a representative of Stanton Stone Co. Ltd. about their quarry proposals.

He says, "The National Park isn't just a tourist attraction, it's a living, breathing, working community."

"We're looking to maintain employment of 80 local people."

Long protest

The final decision on whether Stanton Stone Co. Ltd. can reopen the quarries may not be reached until into 2003.

That’s a long time for the modern day Robin Hoods to continue camping.

But although some of them say it would be nice to have a hot bath, there is no chance of them abandoning the cause now.

The threat to the countryside is too great for them to contemplate.