Donna Alos
Residents Protest Against Mine Plans in Claycross
Residents near Claycross, who are angry at plans for an open cast mine in the area are holding a protest march tomorrow (Saturday 22 September).
The firm Provectus announced plans in April to carry out open cast mining for 3 to 4 years between Tupton and Claycross to the West of the A61.
The intention is to remove up to 200,000 tonnes of coal by digging a hole up to 100ft deep.
The Hilltop Action Group are concerned that the site is very close to nurseries, schools, care homes and doctors surgeries.
They believe the proposals are not about the reclamation and restoration of contaminated industrial land as the site is currently farm land.
Those in favour of the proposal say there will be no excessive noise or dust during the project, there won't be any blasting taking place, it won't cause congestion on the A61, and there will be no long term impact on wildlife or housing values.
Richard Bull, 26, has lived in Holmgate all his life and is currently without regular work. He believes a well-managed Hilltop scheme would be welcomed by most residents: "When I heard about the possibility of a surface mining and restoration scheme on a site so close to my home I was
very interested.”
"If I were to be taken on, (and there are plenty of others seeking regular work in Holmgate), I would get three years work guaranteed at the start of my married life. And hopefully by the end, there may be a return to prosperity in the construction industry.”
Provectus say the planning application would only go forward if the site can be worked in an environmentally acceptable manner.
A decision is thought to be made this Autumn.
The march by the Hilltop Action Group will follow the 2 mile perimeter of the site starting at 10.30am from the Royal Oak, Old Tupton.
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