DEFRA Minister Jim Knight MP and senior Peak Park officials visited Curbar Edge yesterday as part of a whistle stop tour on the day the Backdale Quarry 'stop order' came into force.

The Minister met with BMC representatives and learnt something about the historic importance of the Peak District for climbing before taking a look at footpath improvement work carried out along the top of Curbar as part of the Moors for the Future project, and visiting Backdale to see first hand the impact of recent quarrying. DEFRA has agreed to underwrite to a limit the financial liabilities arising from the stop order, and is supporting the PDNPA and the case because of the ‘exceptional circumstances pertaining to the Backdale site’. The stop notice covers most of Backdale but the operator can continue to work on Wagers Flat and Beacon Rod on the upper southern flanks of Longstone Edge. The PDNPA will monitor the site for signs of unlawful working and if they believe the activity is contrary to the stop notice will seek a court injunction. Last night over 200 people attended a public meeting at Cliff College, Calver, where locals and interested parties quizzed a number of Peak Park officials regarding the future of Backdale Quarry. One of the most interesting issues to have arisen at the meeting was the fact that the operator is currently being investigated by Customs and Excise over non-payment of aggregate tax. Whilst the PDNPA is unable to pursue this matter further, the public could take this matter up with the Inland Revenue. Related BMC News articles – Park Authority puts stop to quarrying Government support for Peak Park quarry fight Delayed Quarry Inquiry Causes Anger Save Longstone Edge Campaign website Photo shows DEFRA Minister Jim Knight MP and BMC Chief Executive Dave Turnbull at Curbar Edge.

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