Walleys Quarry - update following protests on 31 August and 1 September

Officers from Staffordshire Police dealt with a spontaneous protest outside Walleys Quarry in Newcastle yesterday (Tuesday 31 August).

Officers were on scene to limit disruption to the local community and the road network.

Despite significant engagement and numerous appeals, a number of protestors would not end the blockade and three men, all from the Newcastle area, were arrested at the scene.

Richard Anthony Fairclough, 42, of Cheltenham Grove, Newcastle, and Nathan Ross Wint, 31, of High Street, Silverdale, have both been charged with an offence of preventing the lawful activity of a business.

They have been released on conditional bail. Fairclough is due to appear before magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 16 September and Wint is due to appear on 30 September.

A 23-year-old man, from Newcastle, has been given a conditional caution.

Police officers attended Walleys Quarry again this morning (Wednesday 1 September) and prevented a small number of protestors from blockading the entrance to the premises.

The protestors were asked to protest lawfully at the designated area opposite the premises, which they agreed to do. Officers continued to engage with the protestors throughout the morning and the protest ended at 11.30am with no arrests.

Staffordshire Police will continue its dialogue with the community, including the protestors, local residents, Red Industries and other businesses in the area, in its role to balance the right of individuals to protest against the rights of those whose activities are impacted by the protests.