Statement on Walter Energy Announcement From Peter Hain MP:

Following the announcement that Walter Energy is starting a consultation regarding proposals to suspend activities at its Aberpergwm Colliery which will affect approximately 270 employees Neath MP Peter Hain said,

“This is desperately disappointing. I have given the mine every support I can but it appears to be a victim of international factors including the global recession which is severely affecting the price of coal and the damaging policies by the Westminster government which are hitting businesses hard.

“To risk losing these highly skilled and well paid jobs would be a real body blow to our local communities. I hope that commercial conditions will improve so that the mine can start working again as it’s been so successful for the last ten years. I will continue to work with Rhidian Davies and his team to secure the future.”