REFUSAL to allow the owners of Harwood Quarry to extend the site could lead to safety risks for the company's employees and members of the public, a public inquiry was told.

A Government inspector was given the stark warning on the opening of a three-day inquiry into Bolton Council's refusal to allow the scheme to go ahead.

Martin Carter, a barrister acting for the quarry company, said a refusal to grant the firm planning permission could lead to the increased safety risks.

He told the appeal hearing in Bolton Town Hall's Lancaster Suite that the council had not given sufficient consideration to safety.

And he suggested the scheme to dig out an extra 200,000 cubic metres of gritstone and shale from the north face of the quarry would have only a minor impact on the area.

The inquiry heard no objections had been raised by the main consultancy bodies, including the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency, the Greater Manchester Geological Unit and Bolton Council's own Highways Agency.

The north face of the quarry, Mr Carter said, posed a danger due to it being unstable.

There is also loose material at the top of the face -- a result of local historical activities.

Residents, however, are hoping the council will reject the appeal for planning permission once again.

In November 1999, Bolton Council was concerned that traffic generated as a result of the scheme would have "an unacceptable effect on the properties in Brookfold Lane".

It was also decided that it would have an unacceptable effect on the Riding Gate Conservation Area and on an area of special landscape value.

But Mr Carter said: "The council's objections were flawed. We have isolated 15 points around the quarry and there would be no negative views from any of them."

Commenting on the need to demolish Hill Top Farm, he added: "It is understood that the buildings are not believed by the council to be of interest to the conservation area so it cannot be claimed that their removal would detract from the site."

The quarry, off Brookfold Lane, extends to the hill above Tottington Road, and has sheer rock faces more than 100 feet high.

The firm claimed the proposed work was aimed at making the quarry safer by levelling off the steep sides. The appeal will conclude tomorrow.