In 2018, lead by residents near to Dipton and Leadgate, County Durham, The Campaign to Protect Pont Valley was formed in response to Banks Group's acquiring the mining rights from the liquidated UK Coal.
For over 30 years, the community had campaigned to stop UK Coal, and in 2018 teamed up with national and international activists including Coal Action Network to bring a vibrant and inspiring campaign which mixed direct action with political lobbying and legal challenges.
The Bradley coal extraction site went ahead as planned in 2018 though the campaign went on to prevent the extension of the mine, 'West Bradley' in June 2020.
The Campaign to Protect Pont Valley also collaborated with two further campaigns aganst coal extraction by the Banks Group in the North East, Defend Dewley Hill and Save Druridge. By summer 2021 the expansion of one and two further extraction sites failed to get the go ahead and climate protectors had cause to celebrate.
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