The ex drummer of Geordie legends, Lindisfarne has hit out at plans to excavate seven million tonnes of coal from an open cast mine close to the beautiful beach at Druridge Bay.
Ray Laidlaw, who now produces major musical events and administers the Sunday For Sammy charity, believes that coal and other fossil fuels have had their day and that it is now time to utilise more environmentally friendly sources of energy.
Ray gave his backing to the Save Druridge campaign by signing a petition to stop a proposed scheme that would see The Banks Group undertake mining operations for around 10 years with a further five years restoration period. During that time, it is believed that approximately 7 million tonnes will be mined in an area very close to Widdrington Village, Widdrington Station, Cresswell and Druridge Bay itself.
Residents in the area are concerned about a number of issues including noise, dust, light pollution, the effect on wildlife and the environmental damage to the land. Already, the petition has more than 4000 signatures and the Save Druridge group has supporters both local and all around the world that appreciate the damage that could be caused if the open cast gets planning permission.
Ray, who has very strong environmental concerns about the area said:
“At a time when global warming and climate change should be the number one priority for the whole world, this is not the time to be considering open cast mines anywhere let alone on this beautiful stretch of the Northumberland coastline.”
The petition can be signed online here: http://committees.northumberland.gov.uk/elps/entity/EMnzAFASA3dKDw7pXeAet9v?searchreq=50