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It has now been scientifically proven, and peer reviewed, that Wellesbourne is directly at risk for potentially life-threatening toxic emissions from the proposed Barford sand and gravel quarry at Wasperton Farm. Recent tests, carried out on behalf of the Stop Barford Quarry group, have shown that the prevailing wind blows directly from Barford over Wellesbourne for 25% of the year. The docudrama “Toxic Town”, now streaming on Netflix and worth watching, clearly shows how these potentially toxic airborne particles can be distributed by the wind and on lorries and cars. With the anticipated increase in traffic travelling in and around the quarry, these toxic particles could be distributed for miles around the district. In a recent study by Professor Reza Ziarati, it was established that the proposed quarry, alongside the rise in heavy vehicle traffic, would lead to a considerable increase in harmful pollutants.

Unlike the particles at the centre of “Toxic Town”, which were bad enough, the invisible silicon particles that will be released by the quarrying process at Barford could potentially affect all age groups.  We can all relate to how dangerous asbestos is and the precautions that are needed now if this material is found. Silica could be as lethal as asbestos, if not more so, with equally serious consequences. Breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling or even fatal. When silica dust enters the lungs, it causes the formation of scar tissue, which makes it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen. There is no cure for silicosis.We cannot afford for the results of exposure to silica dust to be the same as occurred with asbestos. Human-made air pollution in the UK causes between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths per year.

The threat of contamination from this proposed quarry to our beloved rivers, our wildlife, our animals, and our rich farmland in the area is very high. Food security in the UK is already a recognised growing problem. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has recently published the UK Food Security Report 2024. The report states, “The UK continues to be highly dependent on imports to meet consumer demand for fruit, vegetables and seafood. Long-term decline in the UK’s natural capital is a pressing risk to UK food production”.  The report shows that the UK is only 70% self-sufficient in basic food commodities. If all imports of food stopped, for whatever reason, this country would not be able to feed itself. The proposed quarry, if given permission, will destroy 220 acres of rich top-class farmland just 350 yards from the villages of Barford and Wasperton.  

Wasperton. 

How is any of this acceptable? How can you help?

It is anticipated that the second consultation period will open soon, following Smith’s response to the initial consultation, which is due shortly.  To stop the quarry, Warwickshire County Council needs to receive as many objections as possible ASAP! Objecting to the plan is free and takes just a few minutes. To be one of the first to know when objecting is open, log onto www.stopthebarfordquarry.org enter your name and email address, and you will be emailed as soon as your voice is able to be heard, or scan the QR code below.