The firm which runs a quarry in Anstey is being investigated for breaching its licensing conditions – after claims there are more than triple the amount of daily lorry journeys to and from the site than permitted.
Winters Haulage runs the Anstey Quarry off the B1368 – which serves Barkway, Barley and Nuthampstead nearby. The Environment Agency attended with the police last week to issue a stop notice.
Herts county councillor Jeff Jones, who represents Anstey as part of his Buntingford seat, said he has been concerned about the number of lorries for months.
He told the Crow: “They are meant to have 60 lorries, 30 in and 30 out a day, and they have 220. They are taking the mickey.
“We have been battling this for months and months, with Herts County Council installing a counter and a drone after we expressed concerns.
“They speed through the villages and these rural areas cannot cope with the sheer volume of HGVs.
“They have a wheelwash facility at the front entrance, and it appears they’ve never used it – there’s mud and dirt everywhere.
“We appreciate the quarry has been there a long time, they are a business and chalk is a commodity that’s needed, but this is a nightmare for residents along the B1368 and something needs to be done.”
The Crow contacted Winters at Anstey Quarry, but the Hitchin-based firm declined to comment. The Environment Agency said with an investigation taking place it was unable to comment.
On Friday, a spokesman for HCC said: “Hertfordshire County Council has been working closely with the Environment Agency in the past few months to address concerns with regards to the number of HGV movements associated with Anstey Quarry and compliance with the approved landform.
“As a result, this week, we served a breach of condition notice in respect of the number of HGV movements. The notice takes effect after 30 days, and there is no right of appeal.
“The notice requires that the operator adheres to the authorised number of vehicle movements (60 movements per day Monday to Friday – 30 in, 30 out – and 40 movements on Saturdays). Failure to comply with the requirements of the notice may render the operator liable to prosecution.”
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