Call for probe on coal mine impact

Health chiefs have called for an investigation to be carried out into the potential impact of a proposed opencast coal mine on people who live near the site in Telford.

Dr Catherine Woodward, director of public health for Telford and Wrekin, wants an assessment on the controversial scheme put forward by UK Coal.

The firm has submitted plants to extract 900,000 tonnes of coal at Huntington Lane, near The Ercall, for use in power stations in Ironbridge and Rugeley.

It claims the project would make safe an area riddled with dangerous old mine workings, create jobs and boost the economy.

Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust chief executive Simon Connolly said today: "The position is the director of public health, Dr Catherine Woodward, has received information from the borough council and on the basis of that has recommended that a health impact assessment be carried out.

"The responsibility for doing that or commissioning the health impact assessment is back with the borough council. They will need to commission it."

Arleston councillor Angela McClements last week wrote to Mr Connolly over her fears dust and pollution could spark an asthma epidemic.

She said now the PCT had the necessary information from the council, a health impact assessment should be carried out with the "utmost urgency".