MP backs residents concerned about hundreds of people visiting Wigan quarry

With the recent warm weather, hundreds of people have been seen arriving at Appley Bridge Quarry to take a dip in the dangerous water.

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper raised the concerns of residents with local police, West Lancashire Borough Council and the Environment Agency (EA), calling for action to resolve the situation.

The EA confirmed there was an outstanding application to drain water from the quarry, but that an ecological survey was yet to be submitted by the applicant, while the council and police are working together to discourage use of the site.

She said: “For many years residents have been understandably concerned about people travelling to Appley Bridge for the purpose of trespassing into the quarry and using it as a swimming area.

“It is deeply worrying that many refuse to heed the advice from authorities to stay away from the quarry and not enter the dangerous water, where young people have drowned in the past.

“I have again raised my concerns and that of residents with the authorities stressing that all that can be done needs to be done to stop the public illegally entering.

“I am pleased to hear from the police that they have increased patrol in the area and issued fines as a deterrence. The council have confirmed to me that they are responsible for ensuring the landowner makes provision to ensure the fencing around the quarry is secure and timely repairs are being made, and they have contacted the landowner to remind him of his responsibilities.”

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