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Last revised: 21st August 1999
In the 1950's mineral planning permissions were granted to two multi-national mineral companies which will allow the construction of a superquarry and extensive areas of waste tipping over several kilometers of land on South West Dartmoor. The affected area includes the valley of the Blackabrook, Shaugh Moor and Crownhill and Ridding Downs. Field survey has identified extensive archaeological remains in these areas including prehistoric and medieval settlements, field systems, prehistoric cairns and a stone row, and a variety of features connected with medieval and post-medieval tin extraction and tin working. Parts of the area have not yet been systematically surveyed although the richness of the surrounding areas suggests they may also contain many archaeological sites. It is important that archaeologists act now to prevent these schemes going ahead. It is all to easy for archaeologists to become complicit in plans which do not best protect sites because of the way developer - funded archaeological practice is structured. The reasons for opposing the developer in this case are:
There will be a rally against the quarrying on Sept. 19th at 10.15am at Cadover Bridge, Dartmoor, Devon. There will be speakers and guided walks and a pony trail around the threatened areas, if you don't feel like walking this is a very attractive part of the National Park for a picnic.
Rt. Hon. John Prescott MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Dept. of Environment, Transport and the Regions Eland House, Bressden Place, London SW1A 5DUand/or join or send a donation to:
China Clay Campaign,
Dartmoor Preservation Association,
Old Duchy Hotel,
Princetown,
Devon
PL20 6QF
Email: [email protected]
