BATTLE lines have been drawn up over a quarry extension near Ripon racecourse.

Littlethorpe Parish Council has previously supported quarry workings in the area but this time it says a planning application by Brown and Potter would be unacceptable.

The firm has applied to North Yorkshire County Council to extend the site off Boroughbridge Road from the existing 43 acres. Up to 25 jobs would be created if the nine-year extension to Ripon City Quarry for the extraction of sand and gravel was permitted.

The protest is being backed by county councillor Paul Richardson, who said: "This is an extension too far into what is a beautiful area enjoyed by walkers.

"It would also have an impact on pleasure craft using the Ripon Canal as well as residents."

Parish council chairman Roly Curtis, who called an emergency meeting to discuss the application, said: "We shall oppose this as strongly as we can."

Agent for the quarry owner Steve Machin said Brown and Potter had carried out restoration as it had moved along and it would be part of the latest scheme if permission was granted.