Members from Extinction Rebellion and local residents have again protested against the planned coal mine in West Cumbria.

For the second time, visitors and residents travelling Cumbria saw large banners hung at major roads across the county, declaring that this is “No Time for a Coal Mine”.

The actions took place at the M6 junction at Penrith, on the A66 at Keswick and Cockermouth, on bridges over the Staveley by-pass and the A591 at Kendal, at Garsdale Head and at Whitehaven itself.

They were the latest in a series of actions against what would be the first new deep coal mine in the UK for more than 30 years, which does have the backing of many local residents.

Colin Belton, who lives in Maryport and whose three children grew up there, participated in the public demonstrations against the mine.

“We can all see the impacts of climate change,” he said.

“Extreme weather events and their devastating effects are almost daily news.

“The UN, the International Energy Agency and the government’s own Climate Change Committee have said we cannot permit any new coal mines, but the government is flying in the face of reason.

“Our banners show the strength of feeling against the coal mine and our determination to keep the coal in the ground”.

West Cumbria Mining (WCM) WCM submitted its first planning application for the mine to Cumbria County Council in 2017. The proposal has since gone through several amendments and legal challenges before it was subjected to a public inquiry in 2021.

Secretary of State Michael Gove announced the Government’s formal approval of the mine in December 2022.

However, this decision has been challenged by South Lakes Action on Climate Change and Friends of the Earth and the high court hearing of the case is now expected to take place early in 2024.

Speaking after the demonstrations, protester Ali Ross said, “The unfolding climate crisis will bring more extreme flooding, storms and heat here in Cumbria, and it threatens food and water security for many millions of people around the world, endangering lives and increasing mass migration as more areas become uninhabitable.

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“Tragically, it is those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis who are already suffering the most.

“Digging up more coal is exactly what the science shows should not happen, and the community of Whitehaven deserves so much better.

“What is needed is proper investment in green and sustainable jobs that will help to secure a safe future for everyone”.

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

Mike Starkie, the former elected mayor of Copeland, said the mine would provide 'much-needed jobs' and added: "Everybody has had their opportunity, through a long and detailed process, to put the point of view forward.

"On every opportunity the mine has been given the go-ahead."