MEDIA RELEASE

CA/MR 2003/11

9 December, 2003

PROTECTING COUNTY DURHAM'S WATER RESOURCES AND COASTLINE – COAL AUTHORITY TO EXPLAIN ITS PROPOSALS AT OPEN DAY

The Coal Authority will explain its proposals for protecting the water resources and local beaches along the Durham heritage coast at an open day to be held at The Social Welfare Centre, Seventh Street, Horden, Peterlee, SR8 4LX between 10.00am and 4.30pm on Tuesday 16 December 2003.

Authority staff will be available throughout the day to explain to local residents and other interested parties its proposals for a temporary minewater pumping station to be established on the site of the former Horden Colliery, and the longer term solution it proposes which would be sited at an alternative location in County Durham.

The open day will be followed by a forum which will take place at The Social Welfare Centre commencing at7.00pm on 16 December 2003. Members of the public will have the opportunity to question representatives about protecting this important source of water supply.

END

Note for Editors

The Coal Authority, located at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, was established under the Coal Industry Act 1994, with responsibility for four principal functions: Licensing coal-mining operations; subsidence damage claims which are not the responsibility of the privatised successor companies or other licensed operators; dealing with property and historic liabilities such as old shafts and minewater pumping; and providing public access to information on coal-mining operations past and present.

MEDIA CONTACT:

John Delaney
Corporate Affairs Manager
Tel: 01623 427162
Fax: 01623 427316
Email: johndelaney@coal.gov.uk