CAMPAIGNERS hoping to stave off the threat of an opencast mine near their homes are set to take their fight to the streets of Measham.
UK Coal wants to extract 1.25 million tonnes of coal and 250,000 tonnes of fire clay at the Minorca site, off Gallows Lane.
Protesters are hoping to get their message across to residents in an unconventional manner prior to three crucial meetings being held this month.
A soapbox will be situated at the village’s Mary’s Corner between 10am and noon on Saturdays, September 5 and 12.
This will mark the beginning of series of events where the Minorca Opencast Protest Group (MOPG) will be encouraging people to join its campaign.
Chairman Steve Leary said: “With three important meetings coming up that will help to decide the future local character of the area.It is crucial for MOPG to get its message out that this opencast mine proposal, which very few people actually want, can be stopped.
“This is why we are taking to the streets, so that we can get our message across and encourage more people to support our campaign and help stop this proposal.” To aid the cause of protesters, a campaign meeting will be held in St Laurence’s Church Hall, in High Street, Measham, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Monday, September 7.
Leaflet drops will be organised, advice will be provided on writing objection letters, lobbying activities will be organised and fund raising ideas discussed.
Mr Leary said: “Anyone interested in stopping these plans can just drop in to see how they can help.” Campaigners hope the event will help prepare protesters for the trio of important meetings.
Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust members are set to discuss the group’s request for a Health Impact Assessment to be undertaken to assess potential risks to residents at its headquarters in Enderby, Leicester, at 2pm on Thursday, September 10.
A second meeting, being held at 7pm on the same day at St Laurence’s Church Hall, will see Measham Parish Council discussing the need for a 500-metre buffer zone and the potential for organising a debate between campaigners and UK Coal on the proposals.
Residents are also being encouraged to attend a public meeting, organised by Leicestershire County Council, from 7pm at the church hall on Thursday, September 17.