Coín residents say opening a new quarry is a 'crime'

Group spokesperson Juan José Ávila said that the town's fourth quarry was to be opened on private land, surrounded by protected Mediterranean woodland that is popular with hikers and cyclists.

The site is also close to a prestigious farm school, visited by thousands of children and teachers every year, which, according to Ávila, would be forced to close.

The mayor of Coín, Francisco Santos, has said that the town hall is also studying the legal measures it can take against the project.

The group, which describes the new project as a "crime", points out that residents have been protesting for decades at the "unbearable" dust particles suspended in the air close to the existing quarries.

Between 400 and 500 people attended a demonstration against this "outrage" on Saturday.