FREEMINERS are claiming their ancient rights are now under terminal threat following news this week that a Government report supports their inclusion in legislation to control coal mining nationwide.
A small group of members of freeminers met local MP Diana Organ and Government Minister Peter Hain at Berry Hill on Tuesday only to be told the long-awaited report into their argument against inclusion in the 1994 Coal Act was "not favourable."
"I was stunned. It is a bitter blow to freemining and we are still reeling from the news," said freeminer Mike Jones.
"We will call a meeting soon to discuss the whole issue but it is a very serious blow which could have a profound impact on freemining. It is not too strong to say that we believe it will eventually destroy it," he said.
The freeminers have been campaigning for a number of years to be excluded from the 1994 Coal Act - they say their ancient rights do not need to be be covered by modern-day legislation.
The Government offered a licence at just £5 but the freeminers rejected this on the grounds that they are not interested in the money and did not believe they required a licence.
"Most freeminers have refused to accept it and even those who have paid have made it clear they have done so provisionally and without prejudice," said Mr Jones.
"From an historical point of view we have always had an exclusive Gaveller/Freeminer relationship. It has been a low key relationship which has worked well for centuries. There is no need for for change.
"Our fear is that in the long-term it will impinge on our rights. As an example we would fall under planning legislation which could involve many hours of work and thousands of pounds. At the stroke of a pen it could kill our ancient rights for good," said Mr Jones.