MARCH 12 marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the year-long long miners strike.

A quarter of a century on, the devastating economic and social problems resulting from the pit closure programme are still to be seen in areas throughout Britain where mining was the principal industry.

At a time when the banks have been bailed out to a tune of £120billion, economically viable pits could have been saved at a cost (at today’s money) of £1billion. Moreover, the UK today depends on coal for half of its energy.

As a consequence, we import 45 million tonnes of coal a year – enough to have kept 45 pits open. The money needed to keep the pits open in the 1980s would by now have been repaid manifold.

We will never forget the tremendous support we got from support groups and individuals in Oxfordshire who selflessly raised money and food for our families and offered accommodation when we were in the area.

The NUM is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the strike with many activites, but the focal point is the hit play Maggie’s End, which will run at the 500-seat Shaw Theatre, Euston Road, London, from April 7-18.

I realise the show is in London but we’d love to see anyone there who supported the miners in their struggle to save their communities.

DAVEY HOPPER NUM North East Area secretary