STAFF and haulage drivers at Tarmac's Nosterfield Quarry have collected a petition with more than 300 signatures in support of their jobs.

It calls on North Yorkshire County Council to consider the value of employment provided by the quarry when considering Tarmac's planning application for an extension on to neighbouring land at Ladybridge.

Petition organisers, foreman Phil Nattrass and loader driver Paul Ingram, have worked at the quarry for a combined 39 years.

Mr Nattrass thanked those who had signed the petition.

"We are aware that objectors have been very active in collecting signatures from far and wide demanding that the application be refused and suggesting that we quarry workers can just move elsewhere.

"We feel it is time to point out that our jobs should not be just dismissed by the objectors as being of little importance."

The quarry had been a substantial and reliable employer for many years. "Closure would have a definite impact on us and on the economy of the area," Mr Nattrass said.

He said it was not a case of simply wanting to keep their jobs at the cost of the landscape, as the extension would be well screened by trees and shrubs.

"The quarry also has the big advantage of being close to the A1 and our lorries do not pass through any villages to reach the A1," he said.

The quarry employs 15 people on site and a further 40 drivers who are employed by haulage contractors who take its products to mixing plants and construction sites.

Tarmac say supplies in the present Nosterfield working area will run out at the end of 2006 and the extension will enable production to continue at present levels.

The quarry employees have also contacted Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh and Richmond MP William Hague with their concerns.