A packed Harworth meeting hosted by Bassetlaw MP John Mann heard how the big city legal experts plan to take on firms such as the UDM-owned Vendside, who have been charging miners despite getting paid by the Government.

A partner from legal firm Greene Wood and McLean was present at the village miners welfare institute, where Mr Mann told a crowd of more than 200 people he had three priorities in relation to the issue of miners' compensation and offered a chance for those affected to join in with an attempt to get their money back.

"Firstly, I want to make sure that you get the compensation that is due to you," he said.

"Secondly I want to make sure that you get the maximum compensation you deserve to get."
"And finally, I want to make sure that you get every penny of your money."

He reiterated his message to solicitors and claims handlers who have charged a success fee that they should "do the decent thing" by giving the money back.

"I thought MPs were on the biggest gravy train going but then I found out about some of these union officials," said Mr Mann.

The Bassetlaw MP also set out three ways for claimants to go about trying to claim money back that they have paid to solicitors or Vendside.

"Greene Wood and McLean are offering you the opportunity to be part of a group claim to try and get your money back which will cost you absolutely nothing."

"We are going to hit the double charges in every direction going."

"We are going to hit them until they pay back every single penny of your money."

"The idea that your money is going to them is immoral."

After Mr Mann spoke to the large audience, claimants were invited to come forward to speak to him about their claims or discuss the matter with the legal experts present.

See this week's Worksop Guardian for the full story.