CAMPAIGNERS are calling on public support as they rally against a planning application to start quarrying in an idyllic beauty spot.

'Coalition Against The Quarry' comprises members of community groups from Caerphilly, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

They stand in opposition to an application by Peakman Limited to extract aggregate from the site known locally as the "Tirpentwys Cut" and "The Canyon".

The area, a by-product of past generations of open-cast mining, is now a tranquil area teeming with wildlife and popular with local residents.

An application to quarry the site was first lodged in 2004, and firm opposition to the plans has remained constant ever since.

With a public inquiry into the application scheduled for the autumn, community organisations have united to form the 'Coalition' group and consolidate public opposition.

They say Torfaen County Borough Council's rejection of the planning application, on grounds the quarry would destroy the nearby ancient woodland, does not go far enough.

One of the group's members, Lyn Clarkson, said she wanted to draw attention to other negative factors the quarry would bring.

"We want to say there are other reasons to oppose the quarry – safety, pollution, the destruction of biodiversity.

"We would also lose footpaths and use of the common. It will destroy the quiet nature of the area."

The 'Coalition' group has identified three key dates in upcoming months in which it will make local feelings towards the quarry known.

On August 6, the group will hold a public meeting at Hafodyrynys Village Hall, starting at 7pm.

That will be followed by a demonstration outside the Senedd on September 18, at midday, which organisers hope will "remind AMs and decision makers how strong the opposition is".

Finally, the public inquiry into the application will begin on October 2 at Pontypool's Civic Centre.

"We have been objecting to this application for 14 long years, and we thought it had gone away", Ms Clarkson said. There was no communication after 2006, but it’s been going on under the radar.

"We’d like people to come to our next meeting and find out what has been happening.

"If people can attend our other events we will be very grateful for their support."

This story was amended on July 25 to show the correct date of the 'Coalition' group's public meeting at Hafodyrynys Village Hall as Monday, August 6 at 7pm.