CONCERNS have been raised over a controversial quarry.

Some residents say they are fed up with the ‘eyesore’ landfill at Harwood Quarry and the number of lorries going to the site.

In 2013, Bolton Council’s planning committee approved a scheme by Booth Ventures for a 2.32-hectare expansion and a 15-year time extension to operate the Brookfold Lane site.

At the time opponents claimed the expansion — which resulted in an extra 45 HGVs per day travelling to and from the site — would lead to increased noise pollution, vibration, fumes and dust.

A liaison group, made up of residents and councillors, has since been set up to address concerns about the quarry.

Peter Sharples, of Lea Gate Close, said: “I have really noticed since I retired the number of trucks going past every day. The noise really bothers me, and I’m half-deaf.

"There were a lot of protests from residents when the quarry last needed planning permission.

“As a result of that, a number of the residents who live closest were compensated for the disruption they have suffered.

“I think more people should be getting that, because it is felt by a lot more people in Harwood.

“The lorries have completely ruined the roads. I am sure if they hadn’t been there then we would not need the roadworks that are going on at the moment.

“The also drive very quickly and it is quite dangerous on the narrow roads with narrow pavements.”

He added: “The landfill is an eyesore and I think it has got out of control.”

Cllr Mudasir Dean said: “We have a liaison group now that a number of residents and councillors sit on. When we next meet in September, we will be raising the issue that the level of the landfill is going up and up.

“We were told it would be going down, but it hasn’t — I get a lot of complaints about that.

“In terms of the traffic, I think the main issue is to do with the wagons that are coming to the quarry and travel at high speeds down Bradshaw Road.

“The responsibility for that is with the drivers and the wagon companies. They need to be more careful and considerate of the people who live in the area.”

Booth Ventures managing director Matthew Booth said the quarry operated according to regulator approved engineering plans.

He added: “The height of the landfill has reduced as engineering works progress, however acoustic screening bunds are also present around the southern edge of the site which are visible and which may be causing confusion amongst some residents.

“These bunds are present to inhibit the transference of noise from the operations and will remain in place for the protection of residents.

“We cannot comment on the actions of general HGVs driving through Harwood, although vehicles using our site receive regular safety feedback from our management team.”