Leisure park for doomed quarry

ABOUT 70 Moorlands jobs will be lost when a quarry shuts next year.

But new positions will be created if the site is transformed into a holiday and leisure park.

Moneystone Quarry at Whiston, near Cheadle, was refused permission to extend sand extraction operations in 2007, and it is scheduled to close early next year.

Now owner Sibelco has sold the 420-acre site to Laver Resorts for an undisclosed sum. Laver wants to turn Moneystone into Oakamoor Park – a tourist attraction with a golf course, hotel, villas and lodges. There will be lakes and lagoons for scuba diving, swimming, sailing, canoeing, fishing and other water sports.

The beauty spot will also feature mountain biking courses, cycle paths, nature trails, climbing, archery, tennis, basketball, golf and clay pigeon shooting.

Outline plans have yet to be submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, but it is understood informal talks have taken place.

Council leader Sybil Ralphs said: "It is early days but the proposals have the potential to add significantly to the tourism economy."

Gary Stringer, of Sibelco, said: "Having operated for more than 50 years, when Moneystone quarry finally closes it will do so with the loss of around 70 jobs during one of the most difficult economic periods in living memory."