A community campaigner fighting plans for an opencast coal mine in Telford claimed supporters of the scheme would have “blood on their hands” if the scheme was finally given the go-ahead.

Pat Judson, of Friends of the Ercall, claimed a mine would cause asthma and other problems for children living nearby.

And he said it was appalling that health issues appeared to be given little weight in the planning process.

He was giving his final address yesterday at the six-week public inquiry into UK Coal’s bid to extract 900,000 tonnes of coal and 250,000 tonnes of fireclay from Huntington Lane, between New Works and Little Wenlock.

UK Coal says a mine would help meet demands by the Government for home-produced coal, create 92 jobs and provide fuel for Ironbridge Power Station.

Telford & Wrekin Council says a mine would cause misery for residents and harm precious countryside, including part of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Inspector Andrew Mead has been hearing final speeches from barristers for UK Coal and the council before considering the evidence and reporting to the Government. A decision by ministers is not due before the end of the year.

The other group officially represented at the inquiry is Friends of the Ercall, whose witness, retired GP Dr Dick van Steenis, claimed potentially dangerous fine dust particles would be blown on to an area in which more than 90,000 people live.

Mr Judson told the inspector: “We find it appalling and repugnant that health is barely worth a mention within English planning guidance.

“Those who have played a part in this application for an opencast mine, close to large concentrations of housing and schools, will have blood on their hands.”

Afterwards, he paid tribute to the council for leading the battle against UK Coal. “The community really appreciates the council’s efforts and looks forward to working with it in future to protect the area around The Wrekin and Ercall,” he said.

By Peter Johnson