‘We need the jobs’: Cumbrians divided over new coalmine

Despite positivity in Whitehaven, near the former Marchon chemical plant, proposals still cause worry

If it brings jobs, then I'm all in favour of it," said retired chemical worker Keith Walker as he wandered with his dog Eddie on the site of what could be something many thought would never be seen in the UK again: a coalmine.

Walker worked at the Marchon chemical works on the outskirts of Whitehaven, the proposed site of the mine, for 27 years.