Support needed to Save the Piddle Valley

[PiddleRage]

We need support with our campaign to preserve the Piddle Valley and Wareham Forest from being damaged by gravel extraction. Aggregate Industries are proposing that the site known as Phillios Farm in the Piddle valley between Bere Regis and Wareham be included in the next Dorset Mineral Plans for gravel extraction.

If Aggregate Industries succeed they will then obtain planning permission to dig up the beautiful Piddle Valley, which will be destroyed for the next 8-10 years. The Piddle Valley is a beautiful peaceful place with an abundance of wildlife.

Not only will they destroy the Piddle Valley, Aggregate Industries plan to build a road straight through Wareham Forest for their enormous lorries to take the gravel out of the area onto the road from Bere Regis to Wareham.

If this development is allowed to happen, it will impact local residents in and around the area; it will impact users of Wareham Forest, including walkers, horse riders and cyclists; It will also impact visitors to the area and may even harm the tourist industry for the area and harm local business.

Please visit our web site www.piddlerage.co.uk for more information.

How can you help? Firstly by pledging your support. Secondly by writing to Dorset County Council objecting to these proposals, details on our web site. Thirdly by contributing to our fighting fund, again details will be found on our web site.

Regards



David King
Chairman
Rage on the Piddle

[nightshade]

It is a lovely part of the country and I wish you luck with your campaign,on the practical side have you had a survey done of the proposed area? involve the local Wildlife trust and English Nature check the water table will not be polluted locally (and anywhere the water may end up, could be miles away)is the gravel important left in the ground as a filter for local water Quality. I have seen a book or website mentioned on Wab on steps to take to protest effectively.

[nightshade]

Don't you have a freshwater pearl industry there mussels need clean water for instance

[PiddleRage]

Many thanks for your comments.
We have not contacted the Wildlife Trust to carry out a survey as yet but plan to do shortly.
English Nature have no been helpful todate, but we intend to try again.
I do not know about freshwater pearl industry. I have not heard this! Where did you hear about this?
I think the book you mention is Not in our Backyard by Antony Jay and I already have a copy, but thanks for mentioning it.

Regards

[Wild-Woman]

It's amazing what collective people power can achieve. As a North Kent resident, the No Airport at Cliffe proved that. We got the 'big guns' in to help like the RSPB, BTO, Wildlife Trusts, and countless celebs. Also get the press on your side.Don't give up. Have lots of meetings. Car stickers,ads, anything to get attention over the issue.
I wish you luck in your campaign and don't run out of steam. ww