Coal Action Scotland protesters occupy proposed mining site

Dozens of climate change campaigners have occupied the site of a planned open cast mine in south Lanarkshire.

It is the third time that the group Coal Action Scotland has set up camp near the village of Douglas.

The 50-strong protesters say environmental damage is being caused by open cast mining.

Scottish Coal was granted permission last year to extract four million tonnes of coal from the Glentaggart East site.

In a statement, South Lanarkshire Council said environmental groups had been consulted, and the planning application for the new site between Douglas and Glespin had been rigorously assessed.

A spokesman for Scottish Coal said: "We are aware of the protest camp at our Glentaggart East site and will be taking action to legally remove the protestors in due course, following consultation with the relevant authorities."

Coal Action Scotland said it would attempt to camp at Glentaggart East until 18 July.

Two previous camps, at Happendon Wood and Mainshill Wood, have ended in eviction after months of occupation.