Mining company RJB has written to householders in Acaster Malbis, near York, urging them to have structural surveys carried out before a new mining phase begins.

Within the next 12 months RJB will extend four faces of its Stillingfleet mine, near Selby, to an area around Naburn lock and weir.

Agreement was reached last year with British Waterways Board to mine this previously protected zone, which will yield an estimated 1.4 million tonnes of coal.

RJB spokesman Stuart Oliver said structural surveys carried out now would enable residents to settle any later claims for subsidence."Wherever there is mining there is always the risk of mining damage," he said.

"We have written to 15 residents in Acaster Malbis whose properties may or may not be slightly damaged as a result of the mining.

"We have asked them to have a survey conducted on their property, at no cost to them, so that if at some subsequent time there was a claim it could be settled quickly and adequately."

Details of four surveyors had been provided, but residents were free to chose their own inspector, he said. Copies of each survey will be held by the householder and RJB.

Acaster Malbis parish councillor Gordon Hall said letters had been received by residents in the south of the village.

"The panel of coal does not come under the houses but will be nearer than is currently extracted," he said.

"We are already finding signs of subsidence from existing coal extraction under the old airfield and at Stubbs Wood, where the ground has dropped up to 1.2 metres."

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