Gold awards for Essex operators

Five quarries in Essex have been awarded Gold certificates in Essex County Council's 1999 Site Awards Scheme, which recognises operators who meet neighbourly environmental standards.

Set up by the council in association with the QPA in 1997, the annual awards scheme underlines the partnership between the quarrying industry and Essex County Council in improving environmental standards throughout county.

The 1999 winners were: Alresford Sand and Ballast Co. Ltd, for Villa Farm Pit, Wivenhoe; St Albans Sand and Gravel Co. Ltd, for Coggeshall Quarry; Lafarge Redland Aggregates, for Wivenhoe Quarry; Thames and Colne River Aggregates Ltd, for Ballast Quay Quarry, Fingringhoe; and Pioneer Aggregates (UK) Ltd, for Bulls Lodge Quarry, Boreham.

A further five sites achieved a silver award and 12 more attained bronze status.

The awards were presented by councillor Mrs Joan Beard, chairman of Essex County Council.