Protesters have lobbied politicians with their concerns about quarry extension proposals which they say will destroy a large swathe of Charnwood Forest.

Aggregate Industries has drawn up plans to remove up to 132 million tonnes of rock from under a 163-acre area of farmland next to its existing quarry at Bardon Hill, near Coalville.

However, the idea has angered residents who live in nearby Shaw Lane and Copt Oak Road, and heritage group the Friends of Charnwood Forest.

They say the quarry will, in effect, create a huge hole in the centre of one of the most picturesque areas of Leicestershire.

They also claim the firm is proposing an entirely new quarry rather than an extension because it is to be connected with the existing Bardon site by a 1.5-mile conveyor belt.

They have enlisted the help of Bosworth MP David Tredinnick and north west Leicestershire's Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Andrew Bridgen as the site straddles both constituencies.

Chairman of the friends of the forest group Dick Howard said: "Essentially they are going to create one of the biggest holes in Europe in the heart of the forest and that is a great concern because it will undoubtedly harm the environment.

"We appreciate there is a need for aggregates for construction but there needs to be a balance with preserving the natural heritage."

Clifford Jones, of Copt Oak Road, is one of those living nearest to the proposed site.

He said: "Such a large quarry will have an awful impact on the beautiful landscape here. The harm that will be done will be irreparable. We will be facing years of dust and ground level blasting."

Leicestershire County Council will decide whether to permit the extension and says it will discuss the matter in the late spring or early summer, having taken into account the full arguments from both sides.

The two politicians visited the area yesterday.

Mr Tredinnick said: "People are concerned that the application will destroy some 66 hectares of Charnwood Forest without proper undertakings in respect of the damage to the forest and wildlife conservation."

Aggregate Industries says the current quarry at Bardon will run out of rock within 10 years and the extension is needed to meet national demand.

A spokesman said its continuing operation would support the area's economy.

He said: "Bardon Hill Quarry is important to the local economy and enjoys close links with adjoining communities. It is the company's aim that these are maintained and we believe this application will allow that to be achieved for at least another 40 years."

It says it will do all it can to minimise the environmental impact of the operation which will guarantee some 500 jobs.