Losses lead to closure of reprieved pit

(First Edition)

BRITISH COAL yesterday confirmed plans to close a pit reprieved earlier this year, with the loss of 640 mining jobs. It said it wants to cease production at Calverton colliery, near Nottingham, on 19 November because of 'continuing heavy losses'.

John Longden, British Coal's Midlands group director, said he had 'no option' but to propose that the 40-year-old pit, which produced a million tons of coal last year, should close. 'Despite the very best efforts of everyone at Calverton, we have reached a position that in the current economic and commercial climate has to be addressed.'