THE future of the Selby pit complex was hanging by a thread today after losses topped £35 million last year.
Owner UK Coal is now looking at a series of closure dates which could see the 2,000-man complex close by the end of next year, the Evening Press can reveal.
Until now, the coalfield's lifespan was said to be at least five years, taking it to 2007/2008.
But it is now haemorrhaging money at such a colossal rate that early closure is inevitable.
The company's chief executive, Gordon McPhie, told the Evening Press today that the picture at Selby was "very bleak".
He said the complex had lost more than £90 million in the last three years and they would have to make some "tough" decisions.
UK Coal bosses were now looking at a series of closure dates for Selby.
Updated: 10:51 Tuesday, March 05, 2002
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