FORMER Burnley coal miners suffering from lung disease are one step nearer to a compensation settlement after receiving help at a special advice clinic.

More than 30 people visited Burnley Town Hall to speak to members of Salford TUC and solicitors to find out if they are entitled to a share of the recently announced government payout.

They will each be considered for compensation and will be called to take part in a lung screening programme.

Similar advice clinics have been set up in towns across the North West following the announcement by the Department of Trade and Industry - which inherited British Coal's liability - of a £2billion compensation settlement for thousands of ex-miners suffering lung disease caused by coal dust.

Miners with work-related diseases could claim up to £50,000 compensation and claims are also being registered for those suffering from vibration white finger, a crippling condition caused by the operation of heavy mining machinery. An agreement of £500million compensation for the affliction, which causes a loss of use to fingers and hands, was announced in January.

Nigel Jones, of J Keith Park solicitors, said: "We have had a constant flow of people all day to all three of our advice tables, predominantly asking about the Government's compensation scheme.

"We have taken information from them and will register their claim on their behalf and arrange for compensation.

"They can claim for chronic obstructive airways disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema but they must have worked in the mines from 1954 onwards.

"It's difficult to say how much money an individual is going to get. If it is a smoker it will have to be decided how much of the disease was due to actually working down the mine.

"I believe it will take 12 to 18 months to get everybody sorted out. We will probably come back to Burnley for more clinics.

"Clearly from the volume of people we have had coming to see us it would be worthwhile to return."

Anyone wanting more information about making a claim can call freephone number 0800 092 6075.

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