A FORMER worker at a quarry, which is being controversially reopened, has hit back at claims that it will cause environmental and noise pollution.

Stella Redfearn worked at Crossthwaite Quarry, near Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, for 12 years and said there was never any problems when it operated.

Last week, a public meeting in Middleton-in-Teesdale to discuss the quarry heard how an action group had been set up to oppose its re-opening.

Residents expressed concerns about the number of lorries that would use the quarry, and also the noise and dust it would create.

Mrs Redfearn, who lives at Eggleston, near Middleton-in-Teesdale, was in charge of the weighbridge at the quarry until it closed in 1978.

She said: "There was no trouble whatsoever at that time. We always used to work with local people and let them know if there was going to be any blasting.

"At that time, there were more than 30 wagons going to the quarry each day and there was never a problem. You certainly didn't get dust and noise in nearby Newbiggin."

The owners of the quarry, Strathmore Estates, has planning permission to reopen the quarry, but must first submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Middleton-in-Teesdale parish council has written to Durham County Council asking it to ensure the EIA is thorough and not based on incomplete information.