Campaigners’ legal team named for Ding Quarry battle

Date published: 28 November 2007

Ding Quarry campaigners have just received a tremendous boost in their legal challenge against DP Williams’ planning application.

The Friends of the Earth rights and justice team are supporting the Ding Quarry Action Group. The London-based international environmental organisation has been aware of the Ding quarry campaign by following news on the Rochdale Online and Ding Quarry campaign website.

Working with the Ding Quarry Action Group (DQAG) is the Save Spodden Valley campaign (SSV). SSV have had contact with Friends of the Earth for several years. Campaign co-ordinator Jason Addy met with Executive Director Tony Juniper in 2005.

Friends of the Earth solicitors may offer free legal advice to community campaigns that raise significant legal issues. This has been welcomed by DQAG and SSV. 

Jason Addy of SSV says: "This will help us to ensure that people power will prevail. The legal issues raised by Ding planning application have national significance.  The support that has been gathered is fantastic. Common sense should win the day".  

Dave Thomas, Chairman of the Ding Quarry Action group says: "We are greatly encouraged to have the talent and resources of Friend of the Earth on our side. Their support may be seen as a measure of the seriousness of the community harm and environmental damage contained in D P Williams’ planning proposals".