The Campaign To Protect Pont Valley


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.

County Durham, June 2018: the climate protectors from The Campaign to Protect Pont Valley during an all night lockon .
Two climate protectors hugging in front of a digger with a placard: "Clean air is a must, we don't want your dust."
June D., a campaigner from The Campaign to Protect Pont Valley, pointing across the field to the nearest houses.
Campaigners from the Campaign to Protect Valley on Old Elvet, Durham City, maching with a banner at Durham Gala.
A crane loading up coal on to the last coal ship to depart from the Port of Tyne with North East coal .