Hanson donation provides woodland access for all

A DONATIONof aggregates from Hanson’s Whatley quarry near Frome is providing people with mobility needs the opportunity to access a secluded woodland in North Brewham, Somerset.

The company has donated 560 tonnes of scalping material to the Olga’s Community Wood charity project, which is being spearheaded by Whatley resident Paul Williams in memory of his wife, who dedicated her life to the health and wellbeing of others.

The project on Pinkwood Lane was set up to provide a fully accessible woodland for individuals and groups to use as a place to reconnect with nature and interact socially.

The material provided from Whatley quarry has allowed the group to construct a 1,500-metre circular pathway through the wood to allow access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

“Without Hanson’s support, the project would not have come to fruition,” said Paul Williams, founder of Olga’s Community Wood Paul Williams.

“There are simply not enough words to express my gratitude to the team at Whatley quarry for this exceptional contribution to the community which enables access to this local woodland for all to enjoy, from school children with additional needs through to the elderly.

“With the help of various groups we’ve planted 6,000 indigenous British bulbs including native bluebells, snow drops, wood anemones and lily of the valley, and we still have another 10,000 to plant so hopefully there will be a real splash of colour next spring.”

Hanson operations manager Vincent Pitt added: “We are committed to making a positive contribution to the local community and this is just the sort of project that we are delighted to be involved with: one that uses our essential

More than 70 people gathered to walk around Asham Void, which Hanson also owns and wants to use to store waste materials from Westdown whilst at the same time carrying out a gradual restoration of the area to encourage wildlife.

The 79-acre Asham Void sits next to Asham Wood – a SSSI since 1963 and open to the public. Natural England, Somerset County Council’s own ecology experts and Somerset Wildlife Trust have all objected for a second time to the proposals. There are also more than 500 objections from local communities, and a 2,000+ signature petition. As well as protest walks at the quarry, campaigners have staged a demonstration – complete with samba band – in Frome town centre.

Richard Mawer of the Stop Hanson Expansion at Westdown Quarry campaign group, said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to all those who joined us for the protest walk and to the fabulous samba band who performed in Frome so brilliantly. There are many ways people can get involved with the campaign – it’s not too late to stop these dreadful plans.” building materials to provide a real benefit.” l An open day at Whatley Quarry – postponed from last year due to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II – is due to be held on Sunday, April 23rd. It comes with a date – possibly in May – still to be confirmed for Somerset County Council’s Regulation Committee to decide whether Hanson can re-open Westdown Quarry.

In the last 12 months Hanson has supported 29 community initiatives in the East Mendips with pledged donations totalling almost £40,000. Applications are prioritised within the BA11 postcode, particularly those within a three kilometre radius of the company’s Whatley and Westdown quarries. Details of how to make an application for funding, materials and/or volunteer support can be found at: www.hansoncommunities.co.uk/en/whatley-and-westdown-quarrycommunity-page/supporting-the-community.