QUARRY operators are asking for two more years to complete landscaping work.

W&M Thompson (Earthworks), which operates Barmpton Quarry, Darlington, was given until September 1996 to finish operations and start restoration.

The company was given an extension in 1999 because the introduction of landfill tax had caused a downturn in waste disposal and a shift towards recycling. Now the company is asking Darlington Borough Council's planning committee for an extra two years.

Councillor David Lyonette, a former committee chairman, said: "Obviously they are going to have to have a good case to convince both the committee and the local people."

Dr Paul Steadman, company development and environmental manager, said the introduction of an aggregate tax last year had diverted construction and demolition waste away from Barmpton.

"In response to the downturn, a commercial decision was taken to halve the gate fees for waste disposal into the site," he said.

"Despite continually increasing operational costs and legislative pressures, disposal rates are now less than those in 1999."