THE value of land around Harwood Quarry was the focus of debate as a public inquiry into the firm's proposed extension went into its final day.

Bolton Council's chartered landscape architect, Susan Rigby, told Government inspector Bob Lyon the quarry was considered to be attractive and well-valued by local residents.

She added that people living in the area were "highly likely" to notice the difference if Harwood Quarry Limited got the nod to dig out 1.84 hectares of land.

But Mr Martin Carter, barrister for the quarry company, said: "We cannot overly rely on people's opinions to determine the value of a piece of land otherwise every patch of wasteland would have high value because there will always be objections."

Ms Rigby replied: "We are not talking about wasteland here. This is a quality landscape."

In her report written prior to the inquiry, held at Bolton Town Hall's Lancaster Suite, she admitted the landscape around the quarry was not outstanding on a national or regional basis but she said for the people of Bolton it was an asset.

Her views were echoed by Stanley Edge, of Tottington Road, Harwood.

He told the inquiry: "If I was the owner of the quarry, I would stand over the hole and think it was beautiful because it makes money. As a resident I don't want to see it trashed."

The appeal, which ended yesterday, followed Bolton Council's decision to squash the initial proposal in November 1999.

Residents living near the site, off Brookfold Lane, want to see the revived proposal by Harwood Quarry rejected again.

Stuart Perrigo, group planning officer, for Bolton Council, said: "The council believes the quarry goes beyond what is reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of the north face".

He also said the increase in traffic would have an unacceptable impact on residential properties on Brookfold Lane.

Harwood Quarry argued that the north face of the quarry was unstable, with its proposed work being essential to stabilise it.

A decision on the fate of the land around the quarry will be made in two to three months time.