More protesters at opencast mine

Protesters say the open cast mine will have a bad effect on the environment

Dozens of protesters have once again gathered at the site of an opencast coal mine in Derbyshire.

A million tonnes of coal is due to be extracted from the mine at Smalley, work which campaigners say will have a detrimental effect on the environment.

Security guards were brought in to prevent protesters gaining entry to the site on Saturday afternoon.

On 27 October, campaigners climbed on top of diggers and unveiled a banner, bringing work at the mine to a halt.

Protester Gary Parks said it was important to continue the fight.

"I think we need to make a presence here and show these people they're not welcome.

"The destruction, the dust, the wildlife, everything's going to be affected. It's just not on and we need to do something about it."

Planning permission

But David Bolton from UK Coal, the site's owner, said steps had been taken to reduce disruption.

"Everything that's being done on site so far, has been done making sure intrusion of the site is kept to an absolute minimum," said Mr Bolton.

"It's policed by the local authority and the local liaison committee to make sure we work it [the site] with the minimum impact."

Earlier this year, activists from campaign group Leave It In The Ground dug themselves into tunnels at the mine before being evicted.

Planning permission has been granted for a million tonnes of coal to be extracted over four years and work is due to start within two weeks.