Norfolk County Council has been seeking residents' views on 32 potential mineral extraction sites in the region to meet the county's growing sand and gravel needs in the next decade and beyond.

The consultation, which was extended by a month to give more people the chance to have their say, may be drawing to a close but villagers fighting the plans are joining forces to step up their campaign.

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A joint assembly meeting for people living in Ashwicken, East Winch, Pentney and surrounding villages – where many of the proposed sites fall – is to be held at Leziate Sailing Club on Monday (28).

A number of borough councillors, including West Norfolk Council leader Nick Daubney, are expected to attend the meeting, being hosted by ERASE (Exploited Region Against Silica Extraction).

Pentney resident Mr Sam Knox said: "At the moment different villages are saying 'we don't want you to rip the heart out of our village' and this will be a chance for us say 'we don't want you to rip the heart out of our county'.

"It's very important as many people as possible attend. People all across Norfolk have been invited and hopefully there's going to be a huge turnout."

Many residents fear the impact quarrying could have on roads, communities, the environment and wildlife. Others, including the East Winch Action Group (EWAG) also believe dust from silica sand extraction could lead to serious health problems, such as lung condition silicosis, among people living nearby.

Their claims have been disputed by WBB Minerals, the company which has put forward a number of sites, including one at East Winch.

Mr Andy Price, integrated systems manager, said: "Silica sand as it exists in the ground is completely harmless because the sand grains are obviously too coarse to be breathed in.

"It is exactly the same as sand found on a beach. Silica only becomes potentially harmful when fine dust is generated during industrial processes which cause grains of silica to be broken down into microscopic particles. As such, silicosis is a disease which has only been seen in workers from industries where there is a significant exposure to silica dust."

The county council's consultation documents also identify a number of potential waste disposal sites in West Norfolk. Any sites selected following consultation will need planning permission before they can be developed.

Monday's meeting will begin at 7pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

West Norfolk's proposed mineral extraction sites are at Bawsey and Grimston and Leziate, Brancaster, Castle Rising and Roydon and Grimston, East Winch, five in the area of East Winch, Leziate, Methwold, five at Middleton and the area of Middleton and Wormegay and East Winch and two at Pentney.

Proposed waste sites are at Crimplesham, two at Docking, two at East Winch, Feltwell, three at Lynn, six at Middleton, two at Snettisham, two at West Dereham and Wormegay.