Wilkinson Quarry development at a meeting on Monday.

Residents and environmentalists have joined forces to raise their fears about the effect an expansion of the quarry will have in Bailey's Bay.

Environmentalists are concerned that the quarry will encroach on Admiral's Cave, one of Bermuda's most beautiful geological features.

Earlier this week Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons tried to allay the fears by stressing that a number of conditions have been placed on the quarrying.

But Members of Parliament for Hamilton East, which includes the quarry, the Rev. Trevor Woolridge and Ms Renee Webb have organised the public meeting, for Monday evening.

Shadow Environment Minister, Rev. Woolridge and Shadow Minister for Human Affairs and Information, Ms. Webb issued a joint statement.

It stated: "On a daily basis, we receive a barrage of criticism about the proposed quarry development. It is extraordinary the outpouring of feeling about this in the community.

"When the planning approval was issued for the quarry in accordance with the 1983 Development Plan, it was subject to a number of restrictions. These related to blasting, landscaping, the proximity of the quarry to Admiral's Cave and the coastal conservation area.'' The two Progressive Labour Party MPs pointed out that there was a condition that no section of the quarry should be within 130 feet of any building at Duck's Puddle and Grotto Bay or within 60 feet of Admiral's Cave and the coastal conservation area.

They continued: "The residents of the area consider that a number of their similar concerns have still not been addressed despite the conditions attached to planning approval.

"They are still concerned about the process by which the development was approved, the potential for wind damage in the area of the Perfume Factory, the impact of the quarry views from North Shore Road and Ferry Reach and the protection of the cave.

"Certainly this whole issue is one which has fired the hearts and minds of a large number of the area residents -- young and old, black and white. It is a very emotive issue.'' Those invited to the meeting include Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Dr. James Burnett-Herkes, manager of the Island Quarry Mr. Colin Burrows, chairman of Ducks Puddle Committee Mr. Michael J. Beckles, managing director of Smith and Scott, Mr. Colin Curtis, chairman of the board of the Grotto Bay Beach Hotel, Dr. James King and Mr. David Summers of Bermuda Caribbean Engineering Consultants.

The MPs said: "While we are awaiting confirmation of the attendance of some of the invitees, this has far-reaching consequences.

"Although it focuses on a particular localised issue, it should be of interest to the whole of Bermuda as it can serve as a model of how to find an acceptable and workable compromise to serve the interests of the whole community -- both from the environmental perspective, the residents and the developers.

"It is critical in today's community that a just result is achieved, and it is even more important that justice is not only done but that it is seen to be done.

"As the PLP representative, we want to help foster a climate where people can air their real concerns without fear of reprisals. This process must help to heal the divide in the community.'' The meeting begins at 7.30 p.m. at the Francis Patton School.