CLH intends to run an opencast site at Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil, to mine millions of tonnes of coal.

The consortium is understood to have offered the council money for each tonne of coal taken from the site.

A public inquiry, though, opens on Tuesday with Merthyr Tydfil council trying to compulsory purchase the site and allow Celtic Energy - which owns the mining rights - to mine part of it.

Merthyr Independent councillor Alan Baynham believes the council should reconsider its decision and look more closely at the CLH offer.

'Not in favour'

Coun Baynham has criticised the council's past links with Celtic Energy, saying members and officers had 'been to various sporting events' held by the company.

He stated he is not in favour of opencast mining, but with the plans laid down for the mining already, he hopes the public will benefit from the best deal for the site.

Celtic Energy, CLH and Merthyr Tydfil council are expected to air their views at the public inquiry.