The Campaign
Save Longstone Edge Group (SLEG) was formed in 1997 in response to an application by quarrying giant RMC (the leaseholder at that time) to expand Backdale Quarry. Since then, it has grown considerably to its current membership of around 700 supporters - formed largely from residents of the villages surrounding Longstone Edge, but with a significant membership from further afield.
Over the last few years, the Group has fought to bring a halt to the quarrying by contesting the legality of large-scale limestone extraction by current operators MMC Mineral Processing Ltd and landowners Bleaklow Industries Ltd. The Group's view has always been that the 1952 Minerals Permission allows extraction of vein minerals only, and not the host rock itself. See The Problem for more detailed information about these issues.
However, despite the best efforts of ourselves and the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) (see News), it now seems that there is little hope of planning or judicial processes completely putting an end to quarrying activity on Longstone Edge in the near future. Theoretically, the PDNPA has the power to revoke planning permission, but it does not have the financial means to support a likely compensation claim by Bleaklow. The only solution would be for the government to underwrite the cost in some way.
The Group's aim now is to put pressure on Central Government to agree to the Peak District national Park Authority's request for funds, so that we can stop the problem of quarrying in a National Park once and for all.
How You Can Help
We are transforming the Group into a serious campaigning organisation, with very clear objectives and strategy. To do this we need committed help with a wide array of tasks, from as many people as possible. Click here for more details about how you can help.
Activities
The Group organises a wide range of activities to promote our message and raise funds. Please support us by attending as many as you can. Click here for more details about current and forthcoming activities.
News Archive
The News Archive contains a summary of our past activities, including details about the legal challenge and links to related documents. Click here for the News Archive.
Publications
We regularly produce newsletters to informed local residents and other interested parties about the campaign and its progress, plus press releases which are sent to local and national publications. If you missed any, click here for our list of publications.
