Campaigners in Rainham have been backed in their fight against a 26 hectare mineral extraction site.

Jon Cruddas, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, has backed Wennington residents opposed to plans for a site adjacent to Wennington Hill Farm.

Mr Cruddas said: “I am firmly against these plans as it is the overwhelming sense from residents that if these plans are given the go ahead that Wennington will change out of all recognition.”

Plans were rejected by Havering Council but it was said they would be accepted if certain conditions were met.

These conditions included no HGVs travelling through Rainham, Wennington Village, or the north of the area, payment of £72,726 towards highway maintenance, and the creation of a local liaison group.

Mr Cruddas added: “Wennington is a small village and to create a 26 hectare mineral extraction site in the vicinity will have a number of implications – increasing traffic, with inadequate infrastructure will lead to a rise in mud, debris and dust in the area which can have a serious impact on road safety – not to mention the damaging impact this will have on air quality.

“We can’t allow Rainham, South Hornchurch and Elm Park to become a dumping ground for central London.”

Campaigners against the proposal are planning to hold a protest before next Thursday’s hearing at the Town Hall.