HI all,

Those of you who are members of our online group now have access to the files that I intend to use in my response. This I have written and will be publishing once it has been proof read.

The files include:

- email from Anne McIntosh, MP for Thornborough dated 27/02/03 confirming the status of Tarmac's two proposals with regards to Thornborough.

- Yorkshire Post article from November 2002 highlighting Tarmac's expansion plans (the two confirmed above) in Bob Nicholson's hands is a proposal map showing a lake around 50% of the southern henge.

- A Copy of a proposal map given to the local consultative commitee showing the total area for the proposals.

- This Months "Dalesman" article which covers the Councils strategic plan for the reuse of the quarry sites, entitled "Our Own Norfolk Broads".

I have written a response, which I'm currently getting proof read, but I think these show that a certain gentleman is talking rubbish. I've also sent these to Andy Burnham.

Hi all,

Here is my statement with respect to yesterdays ongoings:

Speaking as a Friend of Thornborough, I was concerned about Mr Campling’s response to the question about the proposed quarrying at the Thornborough Henges on the SMR discussion list.

The question was asked - "I have received the attached e-mail, and I must say it seems beyond belief that there could really be extensive quarrying and landfill proposals in such an important archaeological landscape.

Is this really correct?"

Mr Campling, in his response seemed to indicate that this was an incorrect statement.

That is simply not true. There are currently two proposals by Tarmac to expand quarrying in the Thornborough area. One of which is entitled Thornborough Moor and if anyone cares to look at a map they will find that is the field which holds the central henge and cursus.

In the Yorkshire Post 27/11/02 there was an article with the headline "Winning quarry wants to expand". This article identified that Tarmac were looking to extend quarrying in the Thornborough area. The accompanying photograph showed Mr Bob Nicholson, Tarmac's Estates Manager holding a map of the area. In this document, the western half of the southern henge is shown flanked by a lake, this map was showing the proposed expansion areas.

In approximately November last year, the local liaison group was given copies of the Tarmac proposal maps. One of these showed the henges surrounded (apart from the narrow strip that connects them) by a red-hatched area which, it was explained was the proposed expansion area. The other map showed the western flank of the southern henge surrounded by a lake.

On the 27/2/02 we received an email from our MP, copied to Neil Campling and others within the Council confirming that discussions were taking place with regards to these two proposals.

Very recently, the Friends of Thornborough have received a letter from Anglo American Plc, owners of Tarmac Northern Ltd, stating that they intend to proceed with the planning application.