OPPONENTS of plans for a huge opencast mine on the Over Hulton and Little Hulton border claim there is no real need to extract the coal.

The claim has been made by the Over Hulton Anti-Opencast Group as a second public inquiry into controversial plans for the mine at Cutacre Tip continues.

In a report submitted to government planning inspector Michael Culshaw, Over Hulton group spokesman John Booth said: "Over Hulton is a pleasant area to live and enjoy a family life. Into this area RJB want to force their way in order to mine coal for which there is no real need." Mr Booth and other local residents opposed to the scheme were due to have their say today at the inquiry being held at Bolton town hall.

As reported in the BEN, RJB Mining want permission to extract two million tonnes of coal from the Cutacre site.

The company claim their environmental work would improve the appearance of the area and the scheme would bring about 75 jobs.

A public inquiry into the plans was held in 1998. But a second inquiry was arranged after new government planning guidelines were published.

Vincent Fraser, representing Bolton Council which is opposing the mining plan, argued that the new guidelines meant more weight should be given to the views of the local community.

The Anti-Opencast Group say the mining plan is not environmentally acceptable. In his report Mr Booth added: "Extraction of coal and the associated effects will extend over a period of years. It is not a temporary operation like laying a TV cable under one's pavement."

He added: "The almost complete lack of community acceptability of the proposal has been conclusively demonstrated by protest meetings, petitions and letters of objection.

"Contrast the compelling evidence against the scheme with evidence of support. If all the benefits claimed by RJB are so acceptable to Over Hulton residents then where have all the supporters been during the last few years? "I do not recall a single pro-opencast meeting or being asked to sign a single petition in favour of the scheme."

He added: "The main beneficiary of the scheme would be RJB Mining and the shareholders of RJB Mining. Other beneficiaries would be RJB employees who travel to and from the site and a small number of local people."