Mining will bring asthma - GP claims

Thousands of Telford children could suffer from asthma due to a double danger of fallout from a proposed opencast coal mine, it was claimed today.

The exhaust fumes from heavy machinery and dust thrown up by excavations would get into the lungs of people living nearby according to Dr Dick van Steenis, a retired GP.

And most at risk would be residents living in a fallout zone around the site, including Wellington, Hadley, Ketley and Dawley, he said.

Dr van Steenis said he would be making the point at the public inquiry which started yesterday at Gray's Hotel, in Telford town centre, and is set to last several weeks.

UK Coal is seeking the go-ahead to extract 900,000 tonnes of coal from fields and woodland at Huntington Lane, between New Works and Little Wenlock, over three years before restoring the site.

It says the scheme would create 90 jobs, boost the local economy and help to meet Britain's energy needs.

Opposition is being led by Telford & Wrekin Council, which claims the noise, dust and vibration from blasting would cause disturbance in a quiet, rural area at the foot of The Wrekin.

Dr van Steenis, of Sarn, near Newtown, an international campaigner on clean air issues, will give evidence on May 19 for objectors' group Friends of the Ercall.

Speaking after listening to yesterday afternoon's session, he said he would challenge UK Coal's evidence that the mine would not affect public health.

He added that schools in Telford already had problems with pupils suffering from asthma and that this would "only make things worse".

The inquiry continues.

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