DR Andrew Murrison MP is urging Lafarge Cement to rethink plans to extend its chalk quarry near the White Horse.

The extension would include Ministry of Defence land farmed by Richard and Rosemarie Gale, who are leading a campaign against the plan.

Dr Murrison joined campaigners visiting the site at Winkland Down.

He said: "These are sites of national importance and inevitably there would be an impact on the people of that area.

"We need to look into every possibility before we go into that field.

"That may mean taking the quarry in a different direction or going deeper. I've written to the Environment Agency and county council to ask them to consider these as options and give me reasons why not if that is their view."

Lafarge's works manager Real Simard said: "The extension will have no impact on the White Horse or important surrounding public open space.

"There will be no loss of footpath access we will have to close two small sections of path during the quarrying operation and in each case we will establish alternative routes."

Bratton Parish Council has objected on grounds including safety and noise intrusion.