Local Politicians visit Tunstead Quarry

Local Conservative politicians Andrew Bingham, MP for the High Peak, Emma McClarkin, Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands, and Andrew Lewer, former leader of Derbyshire County Council, visited Tunstead Quarry near Buxton recently to hear about the challenges facing the industry.

They were invited by Dwight DeMorais from Lafarge Tarmac, who operate the quarry, to talk about how European legislation affects the company and the quarry.

The trio had a meeting with Mr DeMorais and Sustainability Director Dr Martyn Kenny, where they were given a brief history of the quarry and the company, as well as a briefing about the industry and the potential challenges it faces from European legislation.

Following the meeting, they donned protective equipment for a tour of the quarry itself, to see the scale of the operation and the efforts Lafarge Tarmac put into re-naturalising areas of the quarry which are no longer used.

Speaking afterwards, Miss McClarkin said:

“I was very pleased to be invited to Tunstead Quarry to talk about the effect which legislation from the European Parliament could have on the quarry and the industry as a whole.

“I was impressed to learn of the efficiency at the quarry – any waste is recycled or reused elsewhere, and they’re constantly trying to become even more efficient and make the process even more sustainable.

Andrew Bingham said:

“Having regularly visited Tunstead Quarry over a number of years, I am always impressed by the continuing investment in the site by Lafarge Tarmac. The quarry contributes a significant amount to the local economy, and the company employs nearly 400 people at the site, making them one of the largest employers in the High Peak.

“Quarrying has been going on here since at least the 1890s, and it was fascinating to hear about everything that goes into producing products which most people take for granted – including the use of lime products for treating drinking water.

Andrew Lewer, who is a Conservative candidate for the European Elections in May, said:

“Not only was our tour of the quarry a fascinating experience, it was instructive to hear about just what a huge impact that legislation from European Union has upon quarrying businesses. If elected I will certainly do all I can to support this vital local industry.”