Quarry areas could get cash boost

Areas affected by quarrying in Derbyshire could be in line for cash to be spent on improving the environment.

The county council is offering grants of up to £50,000 to groups to carry out projects in areas affected by quarried sand, gravel and crushed rock.

More than £1m has been given to projects throughout Derbyshire since the scheme started four years ago.

Past awards have gone to schemes including refurbishment of play areas, village halls and religious buildings.

The grants are offered via the county council's Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme, which is funded by the government with money raised from the Aggregates Levy, a tax on quarried minerals.