A REPORT published today claims that former mining communities like the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area have been let down by Central Government.

The economic impact on ex-mining villages across the UK since the collapse of the industry has been highlighted in a report by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which was launched at the House of Commons.

The 'State of the Coalfields' report explains how communities with a mining heritage are continuing to lag behind the national average in terms of employment, health and a weak local economy.

Fife’s communities are one of the worst affected in the UK with the third highest number of people claiming incapacity benefit, with ill-health not just being confined to ex-miners, but younger generations too.

The lack of employment opportunities in Fife was also highlighted as it estimated there are only 52 jobs per 100 people available with an unemployment rate of 6.9% in many of these ex-mining towns and villages such as Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Kelty, Crossgates, Benarty Cardenden and Kinglassie.

They say that the impact of the Tory Government welfare reforms was also considered as the report forecast that by 2021, coalfield areas were set to lose out on £680 per adult, every year, due to welfare reform.

MP for Dunfermline and West Fife Douglas Chapman, whose constituency covers Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side, where pits flourished, said: “Coal-mining was at the heart of the economy in Fife for decades and when the pits closed it ripped out the very heart of those communities.

“We are still seeing the effects of the closures today with high unemployment in areas in my constituency such as Valleyfield, Oakley and parts of Cowdenbeath to name a few.

“The report highlights that this is now not just having an impact on ex-miners, but their family members too as they are unable to take advantage of a flourishing local economy.

“These communities have been neglected by the Tory Governments since the 1980s and the welfare reforms of 2010 and the introduction of Universal Credit have only compounded the misery of those living in ex-mining towns.

“I am determined to work with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the All-Party Group on Coalfield areas to secure employment and more prosperity in former mining areas. It is about time we got real action from the UK Government to tackle poverty and bring back a sense of pride and hope to these communities.”