16 September 2009

Murphy Opposes Opencast at Varteg

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has voiced his opposition to plans for opencast mining at Varteg.

“The plan for coal recovery at Varteg will not benefit our community,” Paul Murphy, MP for Torfaen has said, in a letter to Torfaen County Borough Council.

“Constituents have expressed their strong views on this issue, and in Blaenavon last week, people were especially concerned about the effects of the proposal on their town,” said Mr. Murphy.

“I am deeply worried about the impact on local residents of lorries travelling to and from the site, through narrow streets and near schools and houses. There are also environmental effects to consider, especially with Ysgol Bryn Onnen just across the road. And let’s not forget the World Heritage Site at Blaenavon - I can’t see tourists being too keen on an opencast site nearby.

“I am not, in principle, opposed to all coal recovery operations, especially when they are short-lived, and when they lead to obvious environmental improvements. One such development was at the Garn-Yr-Erw lakes. But I am not so convinced about the merits of this particular application. I cannot see any great employment opportunities, nor can I imagine significant environmental benefits. That’s why I do not think that this application as it currently stands is in the best interests of our valley.”

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