Politicians welcome Overburns decision

As reported last week, South Lanarkshire Council's planning committee threw out plans, from Patersons of Greenoakhill, to build the sand and gravel quarry at Overburns Farm, near Lamington, following a lengthy battle by pressure group CRAG and other community groups.

Labour MSP Karen Gillon said: "I'm absolutely thrilled at the decision.

"It was the wrong site and the implications for the River Clyde would have been disastrous."

Rural Clydesdale Conservative MP David Mundell was also delighted, saying: "The committee got it right on this occasion.

"I pay tribute to CRAG and the campaigners who have worked so hard."

South of Scotland SNP MSP Aileen Campbell also threw her weight behind the campaign.

She said: "Patersons must get the message that the quarry is neither needed nor wanted."

And Lib Dem MSP Jim Hume said: "I congratulate members of CRAG and other activists locally who stood up and chose not to accept this."

For more on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.