UK Coal claims Welbeck's remaining reserves cannot be mined viably

UK Coal announced on Thursday it was phasing out production at the pit, near Ollerton, after claiming its remaining reserves cannot be mined viably.

David Price, editor of Coal UK magazine, said he believed the Thoresby and Harworth sites were safe.

Some of Welbeck's 520 workers are expected to transfer to the two sites.

Mr Price said the Thoresby pit had always been regarded as one of the region's strongest.

More talks

He added: "The people at Harworth have only just put in place a new flexible working plan and I think it means the pit has got a pretty good future."

UK Coal said Welbeck workers opting for redundancy would receive termination payments of up to �28,000.

An announcement of its closure had been expected because of geological problems at the site and falling profits.

MPs and union leaders are planning more talks to try to save the colliery.