§ Sir A. V. HarveyMr. Speaker, I beg leave to present to this House a Petition from the people of Congleton. The Petition has been signed by 5,647 residents of Congleton, and is backed by the borough council, which has previously tried to interview the Minister on this subject.
Congleton is an old and important Cheshire town. A new survey would show that sand of equal quality is obtainable in many other parts of the country where quarrying would not be so harmful. The position is very serious, for unless a halt is called now the town will be entirely ringed by sand quarries.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that a ban be imposed on further sand quarrying in Congleton which has already contributed more than its fair share and is in danger of being completely ruined as a once picturesque Cheshire town and attractive residential area. Many cherished footpaths have already disappeared, beautiful scenery has been ruined, discomfort and damage to health result from sand blowing and noise of machinery.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
§ To lie upon the Table.