Letter: To Minister for Nature on Walleys Quarry

Walleys Quarry has been at the heart of community concern in Newcastle‑under‑Lyme for far too long. Residents have lived with the consequences of poor management and a lack of accountability, and it’s vital that progress continues to be made to restore the site safely and hold those responsible to account.

Today, I have written to Mary Creagh CBE MP, the Minister for Nature, following her recent correspondence with Newcastle‑under‑Lyme Borough Council. In this, I reiterated my long‑held view that a full public inquiry will be essential – not immediately, but once restoration is secure and legal proceedings are complete – so that local people can finally get the answers and accountability they deserve.

Alongside this, I’ve asked the Minister to visit Newcastle‑under‑Lyme to see the progress first‑hand, and I raised reports that the former operators of Walleys Quarry Limited may owe HMRC a significant sum. It’s vital that any outstanding debts are recovered for the public purse and that our community benefits from the outcome.

Our town deserves justice, transparency, and lasting change – and I’ll keep working to deliver all three.

📄 You can read my full letter below: