Union looks to PM to save pit

The mine, which employed 300, has been mothballed since late last year, when UK Coal announced it was being forced to scrap work on its last coalface because of geological conditions.

The coalface had been intended to keep the mine in work until the future development of a new seam at the site.

It is expected to be up to five years before any work on the new top hard seam starts.

Now Neil Greatrex, president of the union which operated at the colliery, the Union of Democratic Mineworkers, has been in touch with Mr Brown to try to arrange a meeting to press for Government grant aid for the pit.

Mr Brown’s office has acknowledged the letter but not set a date for a meeting.

Mr Greatrex said: “The lads at Harworth all fought hard to save the colliery and were let down by the politicians who led them to believe the Government would support the investment plan.

“With Gordon Brown taking over we have a new opportunity to press the case to maintain this valuable energy resource – particularly as Prime Minister he will be taking ownership of the energy review.

“We recognise that UK Coal cannot keep the mine mothballed indefinitely.

“For that reason we will be seeking an urgent meeting to restate our case, leaving him in no doubt that doing nothing is not an option and allowing the reserves at Harworth to be sterilised would be a criminal act the nation would not forgive.”

There is currently a skeleton staff of 20 at the mine carrying out maintenance work.

The pit shaft is still open and underground inspections are still being carried out.

Harworth UDM branch secretary Dave McGarry said: “It is not just about jobs, it is about a national asset, because that’s what the coal is.

“But I think the only money that is likely to be available will be from the private sector.”

UK Coal estimates around 80 million is needed to access the new top hard seam and attempts by the firm to get generators and other organisations to buy into the scheme have so far been unsuccessful.

Bosses at UK Coal have told the union that mining will resume at Harworth if funding can be found.