Green protestors set up camp near Oakley - Dunfermline Press

A GROUP of activists have climbed trees and started a protest camp on the Blair House open cast coal site near Oakley.

Around 20 campaigners are involved in the protest and say they are acting in solidarity with local opponents of the development.

UK Coal were given permission to mine 720,000 tonnes of fuel on the site despite 150 objections.

The activists say trees have been chopped down as part of preparatory work and they are acting to prevent any more being lost.

Fiona Richards, one of the protestors, said, "This new coal mine is only one of 20 such others to have recently been given planning permission in Scotland.

"If we are to have any chance of limting dangerous climate change and protecting communities from carbon intensive industries direct action must be taken as councillors, mining companies and the Government have shown their unwillingness to solve the problems we face."

West Fife villages councillor Gerry McMullan was planning to visit the protestors this afternoon (Monday).

He said, "I was one of the few councillors to vote against this development especially given the site's close proximity to homes in the area.

"However, during that democratic decision making process we heard nothing from this group who are Johnny Come Latelys on this issue.

"They're not interested in health or the environment. All they're interested in is causing disruption."

For Fife police, Chief Superintendant Brian Plastow said, "This appears to be a peaceful protest and there has been no impact on the local roads or public, We will continue to liaise with the protestors and monitor their actions."