Telford couple facing eviction label UK Coal heartless

A Shropshire couple have labelled bosses at UK Coal "heartless" after being given just two months to vacate their home next to a controversial open cast mine in Telford.

Anne Cotton and Gerald Cooper have been ordered by their landlords to pack their belongings and get out of their New Works Lane property in Lawley, as the mining company looks to clear corporate debt.

The devastated couple say they have nowhere to turn after living in the house for more than eight years.

UK Coal today apologised for having to sell off the house but added they had identified 60 other homes nationwide where lease holders could face the same fate.

Mrs Cotton, 50, said they were devastated at the thought of being kicked out of the house at such short notice and accused the company of cowardice by not contacting them directly.

She said: "We were very upset when we heard the news. UK Coal used a chartered surveyors to tell us and didn't even have the decency to call us themselves.

"We were told we were being kicked out because UK Coal need to sell properties to pay back debt they owe.

"We have also been told we would have only two months to find a new home.

"I don't think UK Coal understands we have our whole life here.

"We have all our pets in the house - chickens, dogs, parrots and others.

"We don't have anywhere to go. I think it is appalling what UK Coal are doing."

UK Coal spokesman Gordon Grant said the company, which is mining a site in Huntington Lane, was deeply sorry for having to sell the properties but added they had to restructure their house portfolio to pay back debt they owed to lenders.

He added: "We have served the residents with a two-month notice.

"We are very sad at the distress this may cause and we do regret it.

"But this is a strategic decision we had to take."

By Peter Finch