OWNERS of a Ferryhill quarry are bidding to create a recycling unit which could bring dozens of extra jobs.

Lafarge Aggregates has developed proposals for a waste management plant at Thrislington Quarry.

The company outlined its vision for the restoration of the quarry at a recent meeting of the Thrislington liaison committee.

Lafarge is proposing a facility that will involve waste management, waste separation, composting and the possible production of waste derived fuel, or some other form of energy.

The scheme, which would use the latest technology and equipment, would be in the southern part of the existing quarry, well away from residential properties

As part of the project, a new access road for the quarry is proposed, which would be connected to wheel-washing facilities sited well away from the public highway.

A spokesman for the quarry operator said: "The company says such a facility is an important part of the long-term restoration of the site. That is why the project is being proposed."

He said that the proposals should not be confused with a separate scheme for the recycling of building and demolition waste, which will operate in a nearby area of the quarry.

He also stressed that the project was at a very early stage and that planning permission and other technical details would be needed before it could be developed.

Jamie Corrigan, executive officer of Ferryhill Town Council, said: "The system they are proposing is the most modern in the world, and the town council is giving its support to the project.

"One of the good things is it brings the prospect of employment. We feel the infrastructure is already there and the transport links to the site are excellent."

Lafarge's proposals are a response to the draft Durham Waste Plan.

A spokesman for Durham County Council said there was still a long way to go before the proposal could become a reality.

He said: "Over the next few months we will asses all the responses we have had and then prepare the next draft, which will go out by the end of the year for further consultation. The Lafarge scheme, along with others we have had, will be presented to the Environment Agency to ask them for their comments.