Mine firm says ‘No link to diseases’
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.
