Camaigners launch petition to save Ashover off road race track from closure

A petition has been started by Ashover residents who do not want an off road race track to be closed after it was issued with a notice for noise.
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Just before Christmas the Butts Quarry motorsport track off road facility was served with an abatement notice for noise.

Barry Dring, who started the petition, said: “This could mean that we are to be soon closed.

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"While I know this must be a welcomed notice to the few, I also know that most of you grew up in this village with it as part of your heritage.

A notice has been issued regarding noiseA notice has been issued regarding noise
A notice has been issued regarding noise

"I just want to take this time to say that over the last three years we have done as much as we can to make the noise less of a nuisance than ever before.

"We have an agreement with the Environmental Agency to only operate once every 14 days between the hours of 9am and 5pm, along with noise testing where required.

"Obviously this massively restricts its viability as a business, it does however allow us to maintain this beautiful area of land and enable many adults and children alike to persue their passion in a safe and controlled environment.

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"I have created this petition in order demonstrate to the appropriate people that not only is the activity at Butts Quarry not considered a nuisance by the vast majority of local residents, but is in fact welcomed as part of the heritage and tradition of the area.”

Jennifer Dring, one of the campaigners against the potential closure, said: "We have also gained support from the horse community who all agree this type of facility gives off road bikes somewhere legal to ride and off the bridal paths.

"We are in a very difficult time right now with Covid-19 and our track has been a much needed escape for our riders.”

A spokesman from North East Derbyshire District Council said: “Following complaints of noise from motorsport activity at Butts Quarry, an investigation by the council and an acoustics consultant determined that a statutory nuisance existed.

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"The council is legally bound to serve an abatement notice where a nuisance is being caused.

"As this is an ongoing case, the council cannot comment further at this time”.

For more information about this issue and to sign the petition visit www.change.org/savebuttsquarry.

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