CLAIMS that a massive opencast mining plan would bring big benefits to the local community have been challenged at a public inquiry.

Managers from RJB Mining had told the inquiry at Bolton town hall that the proposals to extract two million tonnes of coal at the Cutacre Tip site would improve the environment and bring jobs to the area.

But Vincent Fraser, representing Bolton Council which is opposing the plan, questioned whether they would bring genuine benefits to the local community around the site on the Over Hulton and Little Hulton border. Mr Fraser said: "I would say that the extraction of coal from this site is not a local community benefit. The coal is going to be taken to other parts of the country.

"And when it comes to employment it is doubtful whether many of the 75 jobs would really be filled by local people."

RJB Mining area planning manager John Dickinson said: "Any employment whether it is for local people or those further afield is a significant benefit of this plan."

Government planning inspector Michael Culshaw also heard arguments from Mr Fraser that new government planning guidelines meant that much more weight should now be given to the protests of local residents. They say that noise, dust and vibrations created by the opencast mining operation would be unacceptable.

The inquiry, which is due to continue today and tomorrow, is the second inquiry into the plans.

About 20 members of the public and councillors opposing the plan listened to yesterday's evidence. They are due to be given a chance to air their views tomorrow morning.

A first inquiry was held in 1998, but a new one was arranged after new government guidelines were published.

The inquiry continues today.