Eviction Fight for New Works Villagers
Residents are set to fight plans by UK Coal to evict householders living in a village near to a controversial open cast mine site.
Two families living in UK Coal owned properties in New Works Lane were shocked to be told in a phone call that they have two months to leave their homes.
Neighbours have launched a petition signed by most of the residents of New Works, near Wellington, calling for part of a £500,000 “community grant” given to the area by UK Coal to be used to buy the two properties.
They are calling on Little Wenlock Parish Council to apply for the grant from the Community Trust Fund. Residents of Little Wenlock have already made suggestions that the fund should be used to re-tarmac the village tennis court and carry out repairs to the church.
“These two families affected by UK Coal’s proposed sell-off, have lived in the area for many years and are members of the New Works community,” reads the petition.
“We also urge the parish council to write a letter to UK Coal objecting to the sell off which is causing undue suffering to residents who planned their future here.”
Petition organiser Elaine Gandy, of New Works, said that UK Coal had announced they needed to sell off 60 properties across the UK because they needed the money.
“If UK Coal is that desperate for money it perhaps puts into jeopardy their four year plans to dig out 900,000 tonnes of coal from a beauty spot under The Wrekin and to put the land back to its original condition,” she said.
The work started late last Autumn and has involved acres of beautiful countryside being turned into an “ugly” open cast site, said Mrs Gandy.
