PLANS to create another opencast coal mine in Derwentside are to be discussed at a public meeting.

UK Coal is carrying out an exercise to assess the impact of extracting 450,000 tonnes of coal from the former Billingside site, near Dipton.

The company said that it would take two years to complete the mining work at the site, now known as the Bradley site.

Dipton Community Partnership is urging residents opposed to the scheme to join forces to protest against any plans to extract raw materials.

The partnership's secretary, Brenda Bell, said: "It would have a major impact on this area if it goes ahead.

"The slag heaps have been cleared and the pits have been greened over and walks have been set up.

"There are red kites flying overhead and we have got small pockets of red squirrels.

"We should be doing what we can to protect the environment and encourage tourism in the area because we are a commuter belt with no industry."

The company is halfway through extracting 250,000 tonnes of coal from the Stony Heap site, near Leadgate. It expects to complete its operation by autumn.

UK Coal spokesman Stuart Oliver said the ground contains a special form of coking coal used in steel production.

The British steel industry currently has to import it from Russia and South Africa because there is none available elsewhere in the UK.

Mr Oliver said: "We have issued what is called a scoping document, which is part of a process where we draw up an environmental assessment of all of the issues that have to be addressed.

"We recognise that opencast mining in the area is a sensitive subject and are acutely aware of it.

"At this time no decision has been taken at all, but we are going through the process of evaluation.

"When this exercise is complete and if we have firm proposals, they will be the subject of a public consultation programme that will involve the local community."

The meeting will be held on Saturday, from 10am to 11.30am, at Dipton Community Centre.