Expensive minerals could be extracted from beneath a Staffordshire village. Deep clay extraction is said to be being planned at the site of the former brickyard in Hobnock Road, Essington.

Villagers fought off plans for a waste recycling plant there four years ago but now Black Country Reclamation Ltd plan to dig out clay more than 50 ft below the surface.

District councillor David Clifft, also chairman of Essington Parish Council, said: “It’s been very difficult to find out what what is happening on the site in Hobnock Road.

“Both Alliance and Black Country Reclamation Ltd were not passing on any information regarding their plans for the former brick-yard site, despite the major earth-moving actives currently happening there at the moment.”

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Expensive minerals could be extracted from beneath a Staffordshire village. Deep clay extraction is said to be being planned at the site of the former brickyard in Hobnock Road, Essington.

Villagers fought off plans for a waste recycling plant there four years ago but now Black Country Reclamation Ltd plan to dig out clay more than 50 ft below the surface.

District councillor David Clifft, also chairman of Essington Parish Council, said: “It’s been very difficult to find out what what is happening on the site in Hobnock Road.

“Both Alliance and Black Country Reclamation Ltd were not passing on any information regarding their plans for the former brick-yard site, despite the major earth-moving actives currently happening there at the moment.”

“Many residents have contacted me and other councillors wanting to know what is happening on the site.” He said councillors were finally told recently that deep clay extraction is to take place on the site.

He said: “Apparently there is a seam of clay 50 feet below the surface, which has not been sourced for use before. I am told that this huge seam makes it very valuable.

“Black Country Reclamation Ltd do have planning permission to extract minerals from the site which dates back sometime.”

He said the councillors would discuss the matter and it will also go to the full council meeting on July 9 at Essington Community Centre in Hobnock Road.