Call for ex-coalfields to become green energy hubs

Politicians have called for former coalfields to be turned into green energy hubs to reverse the damage of the pit closures.

Grahame Morris, Labour MP for Easington, said the government should focus investment and jobs in old mining areas during a debate this week.

Morris said: "Just as we powered the last industrial revolution, it's now time for our communities to lead the next one."

Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said he would follow-up Morris's points in writing.

The discussion in Parliament on government support for coalfield communities heard that in these areas employment, pay and life expectancy is often lower than elsewhere.

Morris said that, in east Durham, new technology using geothermal energy from mines to heat homes could be rolled out across the UK.

"It could provide sufficient heat for all properties in the UK's coalfield areas, offering a sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional energy," he claimed.

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, told MPs workers in former coalfield areas were paid 6% less than the national average, with 16% of working-age adults on benefits of some sort.

Fellow Labour MP Sharon Hodgson, who represents Washington and Gateshead South, said life expectancy was a year lower than the national average, and three years less than south-east England.

Morris added: "With the right support, we could create new green-collar jobs."

McMahon said that as part of a government white paper on devolution in England "coalfield communities from Newark-on-Trent to Wrexham will receive a package of up to £20m in funding and support".

"We cannot have power, wealth and opportunity constantly being hoarded by the centre, to the exclusion of our communities that are impacted by it.

"That is why devolution is so important."

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