CAMPAIGNERS against plans to quarry on Portland are being urged to join forces.

A public meeting is being held in a bid to form an alliance that will fight to protect the island's coastal strip between Southwell and Portland Bill.

The area of land has been identified by Stone Firms Ltd as a possible quarrying site and the company could use mineral extraction licences granted in 1951 as authorisation to send in the diggers.

The move has provoked a furious reaction from residents and environmental groups over visual impact on the area as well as noise, increased traffic and threats to wildlife.

The meeting organised by Portland Town Council for July 15 will include a resolution proposing the various factions of opposition unite for a campaign to block the plans and preserve the environment for future generations.

There will also be a proposal to open talks with the National Trust in a bid to persuade the organisation to buy out Stone Firms' mineral extraction rights by investing in the land itself.

The town council agreed to sponsor the meeting following a proposal by Councillor Richard Denton-White.

He said: "This fabulous coastal landscape, which culminates in the iconic Portland Bill, and has been known and loved by generations of islanders and visitors alike, is in danger of being lost forever because of mineral licences going back 57 years.

"Stone Firms have been invited to put their side of the story and organisations throughout the island and region who have an interest in what happens have been asked to put their viewpoints forward."

Dorset chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Richard Nicholls will be at the meeting and Coun Denton-White is expecting representatives of other groups to attend.

He said: "We're hoping that other organisations such as the National Trust, Portland Partnership and the Southwell Action Team will also participate.

"Local pagan group Dolmen Grove has already staged a successful celebration of the land under threat and we're urging them and others to be there on the night.

"Most of all we're hoping the general public, both on and off the island, will pack the meeting."

The Stop the Quarrying of the Coastal Strip meeting will be held at Easton Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 15.