PLANS to extend the operation of a quarry until 2011 will be presented to planners this week.

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd have submitted the proposals to extend the working life of Montcliffe quarry in Georges Lane, Horwich.

The company extracts around 225,000 tonnes of gritstone per year and it claims that there is still around 950,000 tonnes of minerals yet to be mined.

The application, which will go before Horwich Town Council on Thursday, claims there will be no significant effects on the environment.

The application also states that there have been no complaints made regarding noise, dust, traffic or visual intrusion and that the quarry is not located in an environmentally sensitive area.

The continuation of work would secure 12 full-time jobs at the site and five contract hauliers over the next six years.

Horwich Town Council's Planning Committee meets on Thursday at the public hall on Lee Lane at 7.30pm.