Public comments on west Cumbria coal mine end Thursday

The final day for residents to send in their views to the planning inspectorate is midnight tomorrow (Thursday).

Both supporters and opponents are being encouraged to have their say and ensure their voices are heard.

A statement posted online by West Cumbria Mining, the company behind the proposals, said local people wanted the mine to go ahead.

It read: “WCM has been approached by many of the local community, frustrated by news reports that ‘local’ people do not want the mine to go ahead.

“Most of the people opposed to the project are not from the local area.

"Understandably locals are asking how they can give their support for the mine and make a difference.

“You can send your comments/representation to the Planning Inspectorate either online, by email or by post.”

But Dr Ruth Balogh of West Cumbria & North Lakes Friends of the Earth believes local opposition to the mine is “considerable”.

She said: ‘We are urging local people who object to the mine to send a letter, however brief, to the Planning Inquiry by midnight on May 6.

“Local opinion does count, and we would have loved to get out on the streets to talk with people, but the pandemic has stopped us. We do know there’s considerable local opposition, so do get your voice heard.

“We are saying the mine is not carbon neutral. The coal produced will add to global emissions, and to climate change, which observes no borders.​

“The UK market for this coking coal is highly uncertain: British Steel have said they cannot use it. Truly green methods of producing steel are coming online much faster than expected.

“How many of those 500 jobs will actually go to local people? Sending in your CV is no guarantee. Instead we need a green recovery with energy efficiency and conservation jobs which will benefit everyone and will carry on once the mine has closed.”

Both objectors and supporters can send their views to the inspectorate at acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/.