Fears about asthma-aggravating dust affecting a vast swathe of southern villages have harnessed a fresh wave of support for the campaign to stop a quarry plan at Fritton.

Fears about asthma-aggravating dust affecting a vast swathe of southern villages have harnessed a fresh wave of support for the campaign to stop a quarry plan at Fritton.

Stark warnings delivered to a packed village hall in St Olaves last week by expert Dr Dick Van Steenis have struck a chord with people worried about the health implications.

According to Dr Van Steenis, an expert on the consequences of pollution, villages well beyond the proposed quarry site at Waveney Forest could suffer heart attacks, cancer and emphysema.

This week parish council chairman Keith Nunn said at least 14 people in New Road alone had breathing problems and used an inhaler. Many more people had also contacted him worried about the effects on their health - emissions reportedly travelling as far as Reedham, Belton, Burgh Castle and Bradwell, possibly affecting unborn children.

Mr Nunn said: “It has galvanised the local area and we now know of a large number of people with asthma and bronchial problems who will be affected by the development. I have been inundated with responses.”

The quarry plan at Fritton is one of many being looked at by Norfolk County Council as a source of sand and gravel to meet the county's building needs. Opponents have launched a vigorous campaign to stop it.