A FORMER miner has enlisted the help of Shaun Woodward in the fight to speed up his claim for compensation for vibration white finger.

Stanley Nicholls from Blackbrook, who worked at Bold and Parkside collieries between 1974 and 1991, says he developed vibration white finger -- which affects the nervous system -- after using compressed air machinery for long periods of time.

After undergoing thorough tests by a specialist in Manchester who, he says, confirmed that he had the condition, Stanley put in a claim for industrial injuries and was sent to a DHSS doctor in St Helens.

However, after what Stanley describes as "a short chat" with the doctor, a report was sent to the DHSS suggesting that he was NOT suffering from vibration white finger.

Now, after months of appealing he is still waiting to hear the outcome of his claim and he has welcomed St Helens South MP Mr Woodward's promise to take up the miners' case.

Stanley told the Star: "I have been waiting and appealing since February and I am still waiting to find out the outcome of my claim. So if Shaun Woodward really wants to help the ex-miners of St Helens then he should also look into the DHSS treatment of former miners when claiming their right to industrial injuries benefit for those already diagnosed white finger".

In a personal reply, Shaun Woodward assured Stanley that he would appeal to the department of work and pension and do all he could to ensure that claims were dealt with swiftly.

And in a statement to the Star, the MP added: "I have received a number of letters concerning miners who have been diagnosed with vibration white finger but who are having problems in claiming industrial injuries benefit. Whilst ensuring former miners have efficient access to medical assessments diagnosing the devastating diseases that they may have caught during their working lives, I will also be raising such concerns about applying for industrial injuries benefit with the secretary of state".