THE News & Star readers have responded to a former miner's joy at the approval of the new coal mine. 

Dave Cradduck, who worked at the former Haig Pit in Whitehaven for 20 years, has welcomed the Government’s decision to approve the £160million Woodhouse Colliery.

The controversial scheme was given the green light by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove on December 7, after years of dispute over whether it should go ahead.

Allyson Stevenson said: "My grandad was a miner on the west coast, made sure none of his sons worked in the mines, wonder why?"

Elaine Potter said: "This country needs to be more independent and not be controlled by every other country."

Jason White said: "Anyone thinking that skilled mining jobs will be given to locals, need a serious reality check."

The new mine will remove coking coal from beneath the Irish Sea for the production of steel.

Developer West Cumbria Mining say the project will create 500 jobs and help slash the need to import foreign coal.

But environmental campaigners, including Friends of the Earth, have strongly opposed the mine, saying it will increase carbon emissions and damage the UK’s climate credibility.