In gathering evidence to support our fight against UK Coal's proposed planning application for Hoodsclose, we aim to make various maps and charts available in this section of our website so that you, our supporters, are as informed as possible.  Our maps and charts all require you to have Adobe Reader installed.  Should you not already have this application, please visit http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/ to download.

In 2006 UK Coal registered an interest in four potential surface mine sites in our immediate area, those being Airey Hill W, Hedley Park, Hoodsclose and Woodhead.  We have drawn up our own simplifed map of the area, showing where these sites are situated in relation to Whittonstall, Hedley and Prudhoe.  There is every possibility that, should the proposed Hoodsclose site gain approval, it would only be a matter of time before similar applications are lodged in respect of the remaining three sites.  It would be extremely unlikely that any planning application for either Airey Hill W, Hedley Park or Woodhead would be refused should Hoodsclose already have been approved.

In the 1970's two opencast sites were worked to the south west of the proposed Hoodsclose site.  Our second simple map identifies these areas, known as the Sproats, in relation to the neighbouring villages, and you'll find four photographs of these workings in our photographs section, all taken by local residents at the time.

The six sites mentioned above are a small proportion of the coal measures that we know to be in existence in our area.  The approximate area identified as containing coal is massive and the effect on the landscape would be devastating should any additional proposals for sites be forthcoming.  Take a look at our third simplifed map which leaves no question of the ultimate impact that surface mining could have in our area.