Comment on Ffos-y-Fran Opencast decision

12.00.00am GMT Wed 21st Dec 2005

Local Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mike German said: "I'm pleased that local campaigners have won this victory. It's good news for the people of Merthyr Tydfil and good news for other communities in Wales which may be affected by opencast schemes in the future. It is vital that residents are protected from the environmental and health effects of a large scale opencast mining scheme on their doorsteps.

Local Campaigner, Amy Kitcher said: "Local people refused to give up on the campaign and their determination has been rewarded. This result shows Merthyr people at their best - standing up for their town, and their community.

"Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to creating strict planning guidelines to prevent this kind of development within 500m of our communities. This is official party policy thanks to the work of the Merthyr Liberal Democrats. We are not opposed to development, but it is vital that the proper safeguards are put in place for local people."