CONTROVERSIAL plans to mine coal in the moors above Cliviger could be given the go-ahead this week.

The massive operation would involve cutting a trench at Heald Moor from which contractors hope to excavate 308,000 of clay and 140,000 tonnes of coal.

The original application was turned down in 1999 but an appeal was lodged and will be heard at Burnley Town Hall this week.

Cliviger councillor Kevin Robinson said: "I am totally against it. Not only will it ruin the wildlife in the area, it will spoil the natural springwater which goes to some of the houses up there."

Several groups, including the Forest of Burnley, the Civic Society, the Burnley Wildlife Advisory Group and local naturalists have already written to the council to voice their concerns.

A spokesman for the Burnley Wildlife Advisory Group said: "The site is a biological heritage site for breeding birds and wildflowers."

Speaking about the five-month restoration planned for the site after completion of the mining operation, the spokesman added: "There would be insufficient soil for successful restoration and imported soil would change the whole character of the site and possibly introduce a different variety of plants.

"Restoration of other sites nearby has been slow. If it is repeated on this site there would be a loss of unique habitat."

The Forest of Burnley has sent a submission to the council's planning services department which says that the Thieveley Scout area is frequented by upland breeding birds that would be affected by noise, dust and vibration from mining operations.

They also claim the area is prone to severe water erosion and want assurances that is any plans are given the go-ahead the problem is not exacerbated.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the council's development control committee at Burnley Town Hall tomorrow.