Aggregate Industries gifts information boards to Westleigh Quarry Trail

Showcasing its commitment to positively contributing to the communities around its sites, Aggregate Industries has gifted three information boards to the residents of Burlescombe, installing them along the Westleigh Quarry Trail.

The boards – printed, developed and installed by trusted Aggregate Industries signage contractor Selectequip – will offer walkers information about the history, geology and environment of the path, the quarry, and the surrounding area.

Their design and content is the result of close work between Aggregate Industries and the Burlescombe Parish Council.

Matthew Cuthbert, Assistant Estates Surveyor at Aggregate Industries, commented: “We are delighted to play our part in the enhancement of the Westleigh Quarry Trail, and we hope that these boards will give walkers valuable information about the footpath and its setting.

“We are dedicated to managing the impact we have on and around our sites, and making a positive contribution to our neighbours and those visiting the area.”

The trail started life as a mineral tramway, originally constructed in the 1800s and converted to a footpath post-dereliction. It has been historically managed and maintained by Aggregate for the local community and visitors to the area to enjoy.

The quarry itself dates back as far as the 13th century, when its stone was used to construct the nearby church of St Mary the Virgin and the now-ruined Cannonsleigh Abbey.

The donation of the information boards follows Aggregate gifting a portion of the trail back to the Burlescombe Parish Council, complete with industrial sidings and architecture, in an effort to foster cooperation with the local authority, which in turn will better maintain the area around the quarry and enhance the experience for visitors.

David Sprague, Chairman of Burlescombe Parish Council, commented: “Thanks to the foresight of the previous council for purchasing part of the tramway from Aggregate Industries for a nominal sum, it has developed into a major leisure asset for the parish, with picnic benches, a wild flower area and a very pleasant footpath on a raised embankment from which the canal, railway and parish can be viewed.

“On behalf of the new council, I would like to thank Aggregate Industries for the information boards, which are going to enhance the visitor and walker experience.”

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