Mine protesters in banners stunt

Campaigners battling plans for an open cast mine on the edge of Telford today unfurled banners across one of Shropshire's busiest roads.Members of Wrekin Stop War and Wrekin Anarchist Group are bidding to catch the attention of motorists travelling on the M54 past Telford and are calling for them to join their protests.

Banners were dropped from the bridge crossing the motorway at Arleston reading "Coal: Leave It in the Ground", referring to UK Coal's proposals to create an open cast mine in the New Works area near the Ercall.

Elsewhere, banners proclaiming Telford as "Birthplace of Industry/Womb of Climate Change" were hung from bridges crossing the motorway at the Ercall and Castle Farm Interchange.

Rachel Whittaker, 34, said they were highlighting the local and national issues to coincide with Climate Camp, a massive gathering of climate change campaigners this month in Kent. She said: "This is a peaceful action designed to highlight the global dangers of climate change and the local threat of open-cast mining.

"The banners will be seen by many people as they are driving in and out of Telford and we hope they will join us in our campaigns."

She added they were also worried about the potential increase in traffic and pollution.