 The complex is due to close next year |
Plans to regenerate the Selby area after the closure of four coal mines next year have been approved by the government. Ministers have backed the recommendations of the Selby Coalfield Task Force and have promised to provide the necessary funding.
The money is in addition to �10m already pledged to assist with redundancy packages for the miners.
Last year UK Coal announced the closure of its Riccall, Stillingfleet, Wistow and Gascoigne Wood operations by the spring of 2004.
Local partners
The complex currently employs approximately 2,000 workers although around 300 miners are expected to be transferred to other pits.
Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for the Department of Trade and Industry, said: "I am determined that we will do everything we can.
"The report demonstrates a thorough commitment on all parties involved to help the miners, their families and the communities in the Selby area and beyond."
The task force was set up by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward in July 2002 to examine ways of regenerating the Selby area.
Local partners including Yorkshire Forward, Jobcentre Plus and Selby District Council, will now work together to implement the regeneration plan.
As part of the plan the government will ensure that free training and career advice is available to miners and their families and provide support for local businesses affected by the closures.
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