Runners Raise Funds For Campaign

Runners, walkers and spectators braved the early morning chill and heavy rain on Sunday 25th September to take part in the Bengeo Field Fun Run.

The fundraising event was organised by Stop Bengeo Quarry campaigners to demonstrate the community's unwavering determination and support for Hertfordshire County Council's decision to refuse planning permission for an quarry north of Bengeo.

A Public Enquiry in to the plans resumes on 23rd October, following an adjourment to allow consultation on a Health Impact statement submitted by the quarry applicant just days before the enquiry was due to open. The government's planning inspector adjourned the enquiry to enable campaigners time to obtain expert health advice.

Aska Wisniewska-Pickering, said on behalf of Stop Bengeo Quarry "We have won every key stage of this marathon battle on behalf of the whole community, to preserve Hertford's open, rolling countryside and protect the health and wellbeing of children and other vulnerable residents from a gravel pit in close proximity to a Primary School, play area and people's homes."

"A quarry in this location poses numerous unacceptable risks including; up to one hundred additional lorry movements during busy times of the day onto a hazardous section of the B158; detrimental impact on air quality, and a serious risk to Hertford's water source."

"Many of Hertford's residents are still unaware that 6 million litres of their fresh drinking water are pumped every day from the chalk aquifer underlying Bengeo Field, via two nearby boreholes. The quarry would also disrupt use of a footpath and bridleway that has been in public use for hundreds of years. This Public Right of Way provides the only safe pedestrian, cycle and equestrian access from Hertford to Chapmore End and the rural communities to the north of town."