Local Lib Dems move opencast buffer zone motion

12.20.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Oct 2005

The Welsh Liberal Democrats now have a formal policy calling for a strict 500 meter buffer zone on all opencast developments in Wales, thanks to a motion submitted by party members from Merthyr Tydfil.

At the Welsh Lib Dem conference in Llandrindod Wells, Parliamentary spokesperson Ceirion Rees and Town Ward campaigner, Amy Kitcher moved the motion with unanimous support from grass root party members.

Commenting after the debate, Ceirion said: "Merthyr has had more than its fair share of opencast over the years. Most of the developments have been just yards away from homes, having a major affect on people's health.

"It has also had a major impact on our environment and economy. Passing this motion proves that the Welsh Liberal Democrats are in touch with the needs of communities under threat from opencast.

Amy Kitcher, who lives near the proposed Ffros-y-Fran opencast site said: "All over Merthyr and the rest of Wales people are worried about the prospect of opencast on their door-step. In Scotland strict planning guidelines mean that no development can take place within 500 meters of a community. Passing this motion brings this step closer to Wales."