A DECISION on a controversial plan to mine on the moor between Bacup and Burnley should be made by Lancashire County Council on September 5.

The plan, to mine at Thieveley Pike, Heald Moor, has sparked controversy with a protest group No Moor Mines being set up and marches being held throughout the county.

Campaigners have also handed in petitions at County Hall and at the Environment Agency offices in Bamber Bridge.

The applicant, Cobex, of Wakefield, wants to take coal from the site and use a moorland road within the boundary of Calderdale Metropolitan Council to connect with Todmorden Road and from there go through Todmorden.

Lancashire County Council has been concerned that the plan could impact on Bacup town centre if lorries do not use the moorland access. The application is for 30-ton wagons going to and from the site every 30 minutes -- up to 80-a-day for two years.

Burnley MP Peter Pike has objected to the proposals "in the strongest possible way."

Penny Eastwood, of No Moor Mines and local group Treesponsibility, said people in Todmorden were concerned that the workings would contaminate the headwaters of the River Calder and Irwell and worsen problems of landslips and flooding.

It would also lead to more than 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions which would contribute to climate change.

No Moor Mine campaigners will be protesting outside County Hall at the meeting with placards. They will also attend the committee to hear what the council councillors have to say.

Penny Eastwood said: 'It is a very important watershed between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

We are calling on the area to be redesignated as a priority area for ecological restoration."

She said the idea of opening an open cast mine in that area was "crazy."