CAMPAIGNERS have failed in a bid to have the Welsh Government reconsider planning permission granted for an extension to an opencast mine.

Powys County Council had granted Celtic Energy planning permission last December to extend its Nant Helen Opencast Mine, at Coelbren, towards Ystradgynlais.

But some local residents had objected that the mining operation would encroach on a 500 metre buffer zone between opencast workings and community settlements.

They had asked the Welsh Government to call in the planning permission granted by the council however the government has refused to do so.

Read the full story in this week's Brecon & Radnor Express - out now!