27 Oct

Mine firm says ‘No link to diseases’

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Fears that a proposed opencast mine near The Wrekin (Huntington Lane) will blight the health of future generations of children are unfounded, UK Coal claimed today.

Managers said that a major independent study carried out by the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne clearly revealed asthma and other respiratory problems were not linked to dust fallouts from mines.

The controversy is over plas by UK Coal to extr- act 900,000 tonnes of coal – largely destined for Ironbridge Power Station – at Huntington Lane near Little Wenlock. 

UK Coal says this would make safe an area riddled with old mine workings, create dozens of jobs and help meet national demand for coal.

Objectors claim their lives would be wrecked and their health harmed by the noise and dust, with wildlife wiped out and property values plummeting. 

They want a health impact assessment carried out before Telford & Wrekin Council makes a decision.

They are supported by Mark Pritchard, Wrekin MP, who says UK Coal should pay for the study.

Read the full article at the Shropshire Star


21 Oct

Group hails mining report

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Campaigners have welcomed news of a decision on a “vital” health report into a planned coal mine on the edge of Telford could be made within weeks.

Protesters fighting UK Coal’s plans for an opencast mine at New Works Lane, near Little Wenlock, Huntington Lane say a health impact assessment (HIA) is vital before members of Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board make a decision on the scheme, as the results of the assessment could have a major bearing on their views.

Just under a dozen people gathered outside Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trust’s offices in Trench Lock yesterday, to pressurise officers into ensuring an HIA is carried out.

Following the protest, Simon Conolly, PCT chief executive, said he had been advised approval for the HIA will be sought by the end of November.

He said he had spoken to colleagues at Telford & Wrekin Council and the need for an independently-commissioned health impact assessment was acknowledged.

Patrick Judson, who organised yesterday’s protest, said the health report was vital as a “public health concern”.

He said: “At the end of the day, this must be sorted before it goes to a planning meeting, because to do so after will be a grave error.”

Original Story from the Shropshire Star