Coal scheme 'would destroy town future'

An opencast coal mine would destroy Telford's ambition of transforming itself from old industrial wasteland to a 21st century community, it was claimed today.

Business investors and families hoping to move to a bright, clean and modern town would go elsewhere because of the "vast hole" in the middle of the borough, objectors said.

They also claimed plans to promote The Wrekin as a precious area for wildlife and tourism would be ruined by the "ugly black lunar landscape" created by mining.

The points were made by a series of local councillors and residents during the public inquiry at the Holiday Inn, Telford Town Centre, into UK Coal's proposal to extract 900,000 tonnes of coal and 250,000 tonnes of fireclay from Huntington Lane.

UK Coal says it would create 90 jobs and produce much-needed coal for power generation, with restoration afterwards making the area better than before.

The extent of local opposition was revealed today after three weeks of evidence from UK Coal's experts.

Councillor Andrew Eade, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said he would support development in the right place - but not in a tranquil rural area close to The Wrekin.

He said a key policy of his Conservative administration was a multi-million pound plan to transform Telford & Wrekin into a vibrant place that could compete with the Black Country. He asked: "What view do you think potential investors will take if you have a vast hole in the middle of the borough?"

Councillor Angela McClements, ward member for Arleston, said people feared that dust would harm the health of their children.

The inquiry continues.