THE possibility that Tyttenhanger Green and Sleapshyde may be removed from a shortlist of sites for gravel works has encouraged residents campaigning against the scheme.

But they say if there is a victory, it may be only a short-term one and the fight must go on.

Environment officers at Hertfordshire County Council have recommended that the Minerals Local Panel remove the site from a list of five being considered.

But at a meeting of the panel last week, members deferred the final decision until next Friday when they will have an independent background report.

The residents' associations of Tyttenhanger Green and Highfield Hall combined to fight the proposals and hopes next week will finalise their victory.

But campaign organiser Ms Tracey Shirvell said: "We are far from out of the woods yet. All this means is that we may be removed from the list of sites who will definitely face extraction in the short term."

"However our area is still classified as group three, meaning that we are still in danger of facing extraction should another site fail to meet its quota."

Residents say gravel works in Tyttenhanger Green would completely surround the village.

Dust and noise pollution would threaten the health of pupils from nearby Francis Bacon and Nicholas Breakspear secondary schools as well as many local primary schools.

There are also concerns about extra traffic and large lorries using the country roads and increased risk of flooding.

Fellow campaign organisers Mr Lachlan Wilson said: "We are thrilled with the recommendation but we will not begin celebrating until we ensure that Tyttenhanger is no longer being considered."

Mr Wilson said: "Our stance has always been that Tyttenhanger is entirely unsuitable for gravel extraction because of the massive detrimental impact which it would have on the surrounding area.

"Every few years we have to endure this same uncertainty. We want to reach the stage were our area will never appear on a similar shortlist."

The list considered by the county panel at last Thursday's meeting had 21 sites of which five will be approved to extract between 17 and 21 million tonnes of gravel.

St Albans MP Kerry Pollard lent his backing to the campaign and wrote a letter condemning the project to Environment Minister Michael Meacher.

The British Aerospace site near Hatfield and Rickneys Quarry north of Hertford are now being strongly considered for extracting the region's gravel requirements.

Coursers Road in London Colney was identified as a site which may be used for extraction after the plan ends in 2016.

June 26, 2002 19:30