A national coal shortage has led to fears of illegal coal digging in Worcestershire.

Concerns have been raised by a county councillor that digging may be taking place on the former Worcestershire Coalfield, which is centred around Clows Top and the Wyre Forest.

St John’s councillor Richard Udall said he brought the matter before Worcestershire County Council after being approached by a local farmer.

“He was approached by individuals offering to dig in his field for coal,” said Cllr Udall.

“They offered him a percentage of any earnings.

“He declined, but is worried that some of his neighbours may not be so reluctant, especially as its hard times in farming and any income would be a bonus.

“They may not be aware that any extraction of coal from the ground for commercial reasons, would need both a licence and planning permission.

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“The war in Ukraine has pushed up the price of coal and a shortage now exists, some heritage railways and other users are finding problems continuing to trade as supplies are running low.”

Cllr Udall said he has been advised by a geologist that the coal that remains underground in Worcestershire is of poor quality, providing more smoke than heat.

“It is environmentally very toxic and dangerous,” he said. “Also, such illegal activity would have very little health and safety policies in place.

'Serious risk of harm or injury'

“Those doing the work could be at serious risk of harm or injury, the operators are also likely to have links to organised crime.

“If farmers want to exploit the coal reserves under their land, they do need to seek the correct permissions first, for the safety of the operators, to protect the consumer and to preserve the environment.”

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, skills and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Worcestershire County Council’s planning officers have not been made aware of any evidence of illegal coal mining activities in the county.

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“If you have information regarding illegal coal mining it should be reported to planenforcement@worcestershire.gov.uk.

“Any such unauthorised mineral development would be investigated in line with the council’s enforcement plan.”

According to a 2018 county council report on coal mining, no applications for coal working had been received in 25 years and all applications in the 10 years before that were refused.