THE Furness village of Stainton is due to celebrate the end ofmore than a dozen years of mud, dust, noise and vibration from quarrylorries rumbling past their homes.

Stainton Quarry owner Tilcon(North) Ltd has begun work on a new access road, promised almost two yearsago, which is designed to take the heavy traffic out of thevillage.

Despite delays from recent torrential rain in Furness, the700-metre Tarmac road should be finished by January, two months ahead of adeadline imposed by Cumbria County Council.

Work began three weeksago, was held up because of the weather, and needs nine weeks' more work,said Tilcon general manager Chris Burn. It will not, therefore, befinished by Christmas.

The road takes the old rail line out of thequarry, swings across a field outside quarry land, and joins the mainrural road near Adgarley. Lorries must then get onto the A590 via theoutskirts of Dalton, along Long Lane. Tilcon has permission to move up to200 lorries a day along this designated route.

"The road has beenquite an issue discussed in the village for a number of years," admittedMr Burn.

"I think everybody is now pleased that it is progressing.It's unfortunate the weather has been against us."

Districtcouncillor Betty Wallis, representing Low Furness, and former miningengineer Coun Noel Spendlove, who have been instrumental in pushing forthe access road, both said they were pleased and relieved.

"Thecounty and the quarry have honoured their promises to the residents ofStainton which is great," said Coun Spendlove, after visiting the sitethis week.

In company with parish councillors, they were alsocelebrating the unveiling of a 30mph limit at the three villages ofStainton, Leece and Gleaston, which had been planned to coincide with theopening of the quarry road.

Celebrations were muted however by continuing fears over Tilcon's scheme to dig 15 metres deeper into the base ofthe quarry's nearest residents, he added.

"Houses at the top of SlopLane are very close to where they will be blasting, so we are keeping avery close watch to make sure the quarry does minimise the effects ofblasting on those residents."

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