A talented singer songwriter from Amble has expressed his concerns about the threat to one of Northumberland’s most beautiful places by writing a song that has had more than 1000 views in a week on his Facebook account.
Brian English (40) learnt about the proposed development of the Highthorn site for opencast coal mining by the Banks Group while talking to local green campaigner Tom Stewart from Widdrington Station.
The proposed scheme will see mining operations taking place for around 10 years with a further five years restoration period. It is anticipated that approximately 7 million tonnes will be mined in an area very close to Widdrington Village, Widdrington Station, Cresswell and Druridge Bay itself.
Brian, who has written a number of songs and is popular on You Tube, believes that the open cast plans will have an adverse effect on tourism; particularly in his hometown of Amble.
“I work in a garage and see people from all over the world coming in to buy petrol and ask for directions. Without fail, everyone comments on how beautiful Druridge Bay is and I have real fears for the future of tourism in the area if the open cast mine gets planning permission.
“I’m seeing a real resurgence in the town with new restaurants and shops opening and the harbour area is getting busier every year. Tourists are using Amble as a base to discover the quiet beaches at Druridge and other places such as Warkworth.
“I must question however, who would want to go to Druridge Bay in future with the sounds of heavy mining, dust being spread by the prevailing winds and the possibility that wildlife would be scarce. That’s why I’ve written the song.”
The song “Druridge” has already generated more than 1000 hits on his private Facebook page and together with local photographer Andrew Bryson, Brian will be recording a professional video of the song at Druridge Bay on Sunday 29th March.
“I’d love everyone who is passionate about the area to come and feature in my video. I need as many people as possible to be there not only as extras, but also as real people who are opposed to the threat to our coastal area. If my video helps to save Druridge Bay from opencast I’ll feel as though my work has been worthwhile.”