Green campaigners welcome Welsh coal mine decision

Caerphilly County Council has rejected the Nant Llesg opencast coal mine which has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.

Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth said:

“The rejection of this dirty and polluting opencast coal mine is a historic victory for people power and the climate. Caerphilly councillors have put themselves on the right side of history by voting to leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong.” “The local community have fought long and hard against this opencast coal mine proposal, and its legacy of pollution, devastation and disruption. We urge the applicants, Miller Argent, to respect this democratic decision, and to invest in green jobs for the future – not dirty industries of the past.” Friends of the Earth Cymru Director Gareth Clubb, added:

“This is a great day for democracy and people power. We congratulate Caerphilly councillors on their courage in rejecting the Nant Llesg mine. If Miller Argent opt to appeal, be assured we will support the community to fight this all the way.” “We urge the Welsh Government to take heed and implement a full moratorium on opencast coal in Wales, as voted for by Assembly Members earlier this year.”