THE River Irwell in Bacup could become a haven for wildlife thanks to an ambitious plan to clean up a disused mine.

Last year, the Environment Agency produced a priority list of mining sites which were polluting water courses, including Old Meadows, above Bacup.

Iron deposits have been spilling into the River Irwell from the mine for many years causing the river to turn bright orange and affecting wildlife.

Now a planning application has been submitted to Rossendale Council by the coal authority to build a filter reed bed to remove the iron before it reaches the river.

Albert Schofield, the coal authority's director of contracts, said: "We are hoping to be able to commence construction before spring 1998.

"The treatment system will include a natural reed bed similar to one which is successfully operating at Woolley in South Yorkshire."

Stacksteads Councillor Michael McShea said: "I am absolutely delighted with the proposal and I hope it goes ahead and we never see the orange river again.

"From Waterfoot upwards there is no life at all because of the iron ore deposits but, in two to three years, we could see life in the river recolonising.

"The river has suffered a legacy from the industrial revolution and has been forgotten about and neglected."

The coal authority has worked with the Environment Agency to put forward the plan which will be considered by Rossendale councillors later this year.

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