Ding Quarry Action Group

During the summer of 1995, plans to re-open a quarry by DP Williams on Rooley Moor, right on the outskirts of Rochdale looked all set to go ahead. He had been given the right to quarry for stone from the disused 'Ding Quarry' by the Lord of the Manor.

News spread fast, the people of Rochdale were not about to allow hundreds of lorries pass through Rochdale and Rooley moor road, with no fight at all. Momentum spread fast, An Action group was formed.

As soon as DP Williams' lorries were spotted, a huge group of local residents blockaded the cattle grid at Lanehead.

Rochdale Police arrested a few protestors, but this was just the start... Through countless meetings, fact finding missions, fund raising activities the backing of Rochdale Council, we were finally able to get Ding quarry declared a 'dormant quarry, this meant DP Williams had to start afresh, and prepare a new planning application for Rochdale Council to get stone from Ding Quarry.

We thought DP Williams had just given up, left Rochdale and gone back to Wales.. But now, 12 years later, he's back in Ding Quarry digging up trouble again.

He has had bore holes drilled at Ding quarry and applied to Rochdale Council for determination of Planning Conditions. Could this be the start of trouble for the people of Rochdale again ?

We await the outcome, but one thing is sure, we are not afraid to put ourselves once more to the forefront of a campaign to keep DP Williams out of Rochdale, and keep Ding Quarry Closed !!!!!

The purpose of this website is to allow the exchange of information, news and events that will take place regarding Ding Quarry, and also events in and around the Rochdale township.

It also serves to remember the battle we had with DP Williams and the spirit of every person in Rochdale connected with the fight, always remember, "A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link".

Let us keep the chain oiled and ready for action !!!