AGGROW – Anti Gravel Group of Residents of Oxfordshire West is an alliance of 11 local parishes working together to oppose the Oxfordshire County Council Minerals and Waste Development Framework which threatens massive sand and gravel extraction in and around our villages.

Alvescot, Bampton, Black Bourton, Brize Norton, Broadwell, Carterton, Clanfield, Grafton/Radcot, Kelmscott, Kencot and Langford

AGGROW - Key people

AGGROW was formed early in 2010 with the alliance of our 11 local parishes and the establishment of a Steering Group to lead and manage our campaign.

Steering Group Members

Parish councillors and other representatives from the villages in our alliance have also played their part in supporting the operational work of AGGROW. Their help has been invaluable.

Why we are campaigning

It is not possible to describe adequately the ruinous impact that quarries would have on our villages, our lives and those of our children.

This is rural England: country roads with little bridges, narrow streets, old buildings set within ‘Domesday’ villages and conservation areas. Good agricultural land; so very sensitive to flooding that any change to water flow patterns can be disastrous, as well we know. In an area of such beauty and rich biodiversity, it is difficult to imagine why anyone would even consider quarrying here, particularly when deposits of sand and gravel are far deeper in other parts of Oxfordshire. An ancient, virgin landscape with flat topography: there is no hiding place for quarries here.

Besides the floods and their associated costs and misery, there has probably never been a more serious threat to us than that now posed by quarrying. AGGROW is doing all in its power to ward off this unsolicited and unwanted intrusion. Speaking with one voice, and on your behalf, we are working very hard to put forward the strongest objections to any plans for quarrying in the Clanfield/Bampton area, but we cannot do this without your support.

AGGROW’s campaign requires significant financial support to pay for the necessary professional expertise that we need to guide us.

Through the generosity of some, and the proactive support of a few, we have made progress in building a fighting fund. This has enabled us to consult with experts and to commission preliminary surveys and reports in support of our case. However, we must continue to fundraise and to appeal for donations to support the continuation of our campaign should that prove necessary.