MINERS who worked at pits in Leigh and Golborne might be entitled to a slice of an estimated multi-million pound payout.

The Leigh-based National Union of Mineworkers Lancashire branch is advising ex-Bickershaw, Parsonage and Golborne colliery employees they could be in line for compensation if they suffer from the industrial injury known as Vibration White Finger (VWF).

In January a High Court judgement found British Coal had been negligent in failing to take preventative steps by 1975 to protect mineworkers against VWF.

A British Coal appeal against the decision will be determined in October in London.

Billy Kelly, Lancs area NUM secretary, told The Journal: "The NUM see this as no more than a delaying tactic by British Coal, in effect the Government. We believe compensation amounting to millions will be recovered for injured mineworkers, and there are a potential 16,000 successful claimants in the north west."

Mr Kelly said solicitors were currently negotiating with British Coal to waver time limitations which might restrict the number of claimants.

Similar negotiations were successful relating to compensation for deafness.

Ex-miners who think they may suffer from the condition are advised to first claim industrial injuries disablement benefit from the DSS and seek further advice from the NUM by telephoning 901623 21611.

The NUM estimates thousands of miners were injured by exposure to vibrating tools like electric and pneumatic and hydraulic drills or picks, used in the mining industry since January 1 1975.

Until recently many sufferers were unwaware the VWF condition was caused by work.

Symptons such as sensitivity to cold, blanching of the fingers and hand, and loss of dexterity which can be painful and disabling are symptons which are easily confused with poor circulation or arthritis.

VWF, sometimes known as Raynauds Phenomenon, affects the circulation and nerves in the hand. Since 1985 it has been classed as a prescribed disease.

Former miners who could qualify for compensation would have been employed at Bickershaw, Parsonage or Golborne collieries.

Or they may have worked at Hapton Valley, Cronton, Agecroft, Parkside, Sutton Manor or Haig.

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