By Natasha Livingstone

May 20, 2018 - England's Durham University has decided to undertake an archaeological survey at a controversial mining site.

This follows the institution’s agreement to divest its financial investment in fossil fuels, leading some to question Durham’s commitment to clean energy.

The decision also shadows the provocative renewal of the Mitie contract last month.

The department for archaeology is behind the survey, which is being carried out for the Banks Group at the new open-cast coal mining site at Pont Valley.

Digging on the site began on Wednesday, leading Banks workers and a member of Steadfast Security to inform onlooking residents the labour is for an archaeological survey by Durham University.

Local residents hold weekly demonstrations against the site, and direct action techniques have led to arrests, with protesters complaining of violence from police and Banks staff. There is a permanent protest camp on site.

Disapproval of the site dates back over 30 years, with the county council having refused planning permission three times since 1986.

Concerns relate to the impact on endangered Great Crested Newts reportedly sighted there, disruption to the local community, and climate change.

Banks Group has until June 3rd to build an access road before their planning permission expires.

The University has not yet responded to questions from residents and campaigners about the nature of their arrangement with Banks Group.

Tracy Gillman, a local resident living just 300 metres from the site, has said “Steadfast Security staff have consistently harassed and surveilled local residents, with threats to set their guard dog on us when we were walking the normal footpaths near our homes.

“We are an embattled community, appalled by the lack of sensitivity and action demonstrated by Durham University.” 

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