Quarry ‘thrills’ warning (From Cotswold Journal)

Quarry ‘thrills’ warning

10:00am Saturday 30th June 2012 in News

A NEW survey has found that trespassers in quarries are putting themselves and others at risk in the quest to steal metal and “chase cheap thrills”.

Quarry operators are keen to raise awareness of the risks of trespassing after the results from a survey of managers running quarries and other sites found a sharp rise in adults endangering themselves by breaking in.

The survey, carried out by the Mineral Products Association (MPA), found that in Gloucestershire, two-thirds of site managers responding said that trespass was a constant or significant worry.

There are 30 active quarries in the county including Huntsmans Quarries, in Naunton, and Westington Quarry, Chipping Campden.

Nigel Jackson, MPA chief executive, said: “It is worrying enough that this new breed of trespassers put their own lives on the line. But their recklessness reaches new levels when they expose children to the dangers of industrial sites they then treat as playgrounds.”

Activities including people taking photographs and adults riding trial bikes can often leave broken fences which the MPA say is an open invitation for children in search of adventure.

Managers across the industry will be encouraged to make contact with schools to reinforce the “quarries are not for play” message.