Quarrying company Saint-Gobain Formula is building local links

d.churcher@newarkadvertiser.co.uk

Published: 07:00, 02 November 2019

A quarrying company says it is being open and transparent about its expansion plans and forging close links with community.

Saint-Gobain Formula, which quarries and processes gypsum at its site near Newark, held its inaugural Community Liaison Committee meeting involving representatives from local parish, district and county councils.

The company said it was committed to being open about its operations and to having good relationships with the local community.

The quarry team hosted the meeting at the Bowbridge Lane site in line with commitments made in a planning application, which was granted in April.

The committee will meet twice a year for the company to give updates on quarry and plant news, and for the community representatives to raise any questions they may have about the operation.

More than 150 people are employed at the quarry and its associated manufacturing plant, Jericho Works.

Kevin Glasper, quarry manager said: “I have worked in opencast coal mines across the country where liaison committees were a great way of ensuring we were in touch with the community and allowed us to address concerns.”

One of the areas discussed was recent flytipping on nearby Staple Lane, which the company had resolved and taken measures to prevent happening again by installing barriers.

Gypsum extracted at Bantycock Quarry is used in the production of high-quality plaster products for ceramics, in the food industry, brewing, decorative work, medical and dentistry as well as in plaster and plasterboard.

Parish councillor Ryan Cullen said: “Fernwood Parish Council appreciates having a positive working relationship with the company with meetings on a regular basis, which are useful for resolving issues and keeping informed."

Human Interest Newark Dan Churcher