A DEFUNCT pit could be used to create much needed North Yorkshire jobs.

North Selby Mine, in Escrick, was closed down in 1997.

Economic concerns have been raised about the future of the former workforce.

Now owners RJB Mining have applied to City of York Council for permission to use some of the buildings for businesses or industrial use.

No specific use has been specified, with the application for permission in principle.

A spokesman for RJB's agent, Fuller Peiser, said: "The closure of the mine at this early stage was not originally anticipated and has, therefore, created many issues that need to be addressed, not least of which is the obvious potential for beneficial re-use offered by the redundant buildings.

"It was stressed that there was a shortage of readily accessible, serviced employment sites and that the overall success of generating new jobs would be increased by the provision of suitable premises."

Whitemoor mine, which was near Selby and closed in 1996, is now successfully used as a base for businesses and industrial uses and is cited as an example of what could happen at Escrick.

The spokesman said: "The closure of the mine released a number of well-serviced, modern buildings which have genuine potential for alternative use.

"The mine should be viewed as a windfall opportunity for the creation of employment-generating uses which are important to the livelihood of the rural economy."

The mine was closed because of bad geology and faulting in coal seams.

Updated: 08:59 Friday, March 28, 2003