NEW PIT WAR
Deep coal mine a ‘backwards step’
CONTROVERSIAL plans for the UK’s first deep coal mine in 30 years are set to go ahead, to the fury of green campaigners.
The Government could have called in the scheme for an inquiry but has chosen not to.
It follows Cumbria county council’s approval of the £165million West Cumbria Mining plan in Whitehaven in October. Local MP Tim
Farron, the former Lib Dem leader, said the decision is a “complete disaster for our children’s future” and a “backwards step in the fight against climate change”. West Cumbria Mining says the mine – which will extract coal from beneath the Irish Sea – will create 500 jobs.
But environmentalists say employment should be generated by investing in clean energy.
Friends of the Earth spokesman Tony Bosworth said the scheme “undermines the Government’s credibility on the climate crisis”.
A council spokesman said it “will work with the developer to formalise planning obligations”.