EMOTIONS ran high at meeting called to discuss plans for a quarry near Alresford.

More than 300 residents packed the village hall – with more standing outside – to hear details of plans to dig for sand and gravel at Church Farm.

Essex County Council officials explained how the site had come to be considered and answered questions.

Alresford Action Group’s Chris Sanderson then aired its arguments against the proposals. He told the meeting its main concerns were: l The site was close to two schools l Possible health risks posed by dust from the excavation work l Extra lorries carrying material away from the site.

Mr Sanderson added: “Alresford is often advertised as a much sought-after village, but if this goes ahead, we will be on the map for all the wrong reasons. We must kill the quarry before it kills Alresford.”

Parish council chairman Joan Coates promised: “This is a campaign we are going to mount and we are going to win. We will fight to the last ditch.”

A villager, who gave her name only as Wendy, questioned a county council ad slogan, saying: “The council’s branding is ‘Essex Works for a better quality of life’, but for whom, them or us?”

Robert Collins, Alresford Primary School headteacher, asked if planners had discussed the issue with the education department colleagues at County Hall.

He said one man, on whose land the Montessori Nursery stood, had been reduced to tears at the thought of a quarry right next to the nursery.

Residents are being encouraged to submit their views in writing by February 17.

Alresford Action Group members handed out draft letters for villagers to sign and send in.

Tendring councillor Gary Scott called on the county council to extend the consultation period.

Other new or expanded mineral sites being considered in north Essex are in Frating, Thorrington, Ardleigh, Great Bentley, Rivenhall, Rayne, Witham, Silver End, Stanway, Fingringhoe and Birch.

l For details of the sites and to comment online, call 01245 435555, or visit www.essex.gov.uk/MDD- consultation