New Lanark in central Scotland is the site of a historical landmark in workers’ rights, including the beginning of the end of child labour. In the early 1800s, the factory owner Robert Owen introduced fair policies for workers that took over a hundred years to become compulsory throughout the UK.
Because of this, New Lanark is now one of just four World Heritage Sites in Scotland, recognised for its cultural and historical importance.
Given its historical significance, it’s ironic that New Lanark is now fending off attempts from a multi-national minerals firm to extend its large-scale gravel and sand quarrying in the area, irrevocably scarring the landscape and damaging the environment.
Locals have been objecting strenuously to the plans but the local council is dithering.
Tell South Lanarkshire council not to let industry ruin a beautiful historical site.
We the undersigned ask that you reject the application from Cemex to increase its quarrying operations in the Falls of Clyde, removing over 3 million tonnes of sand and gravel from the area.
Quarrying on this scale would cause permanent damage to the landscape, despoiling an area with one of the only four World Heritage Sites in Scotland.
Given the historical importance of the area, not to mention its economic importance as a tourist attraction, we believe that allowing yet more industrial quarrying is misguided in the extreme.
Please call a halt to Cemex’s expansion plans.
Thank you for your attention.
