NEWS that plans for Woodhouse Colliery have been approved have been welcomed by the company behind the project.

Mark Kirkbride hailed yesterday’s decision by the county council as an important milestone.

Speaking following the decision, he said: “Today marks a very important milestone in our journey to develop a world class mine in Cumbria and is the culmination of five years of hard work and determination by the WCM team to realise our vision.

“Woodhouse Colliery will bring significant local benefits to Whitehaven, Copeland and Cumbria in terms of jobs and investment. I am proud to be part of something which will have such a positive impact on the local community and economy as well as the long-term financial benefits the mine will bring to the UK.

“We now look forward to moving towards the construction of Woodhouse Colliery and harnessing the extensive mining history and knowledge in West Cumbria to operate a state-of-the-art mine, including the highest levels of health and safety and technology to ultimately realise our vision of becoming a leading European producer of high-quality metallurgical coal for steel making.”

Comments of support have also been posted on The Whitehaven News’ Facebook Page when the news broke yesterday.

Michael Inman wrote: “Great news at long last.”

Mark Allsworth posted: “Absolutely amazing! Great news for West Cumbria!”

Barbara Graham Barwise said: “Congratulations WCM, wonderful news.”

However there were also some residents expressing concern at plans for Woodhouse Colliery.

Martin Kelly said: “Great news, pity they wouldn’t make the rest of the Marchon into a green space for people to walk, rather than more housing.”

And Terry Harvey-Chadwick said: “So, while school children all over the world strike to protest climate change, grown-ups in Cumbria vote to open a new coal mine because of jobs. In 20 years all this is going to be underwater. Where will your jobs be then?”