CONCERNS over an opencast mine in Ystradgynlais have been raised in the Senedd.

Plaid AM Simon Thomas asked the First Minister: "Why was planning permission granted to extend the Nant Helen, which will take it within 500 metres of local people's houses and the playing fields of one of your brand new schools? What is your message to constituents who are concerned the rules have not been followed?"

Mr Jones replied: "This is a matter for the local planning authority. I can not talk about any individual scheme, but the policy still exists, and therefore the policy regarding the buffer zone in the technical note also still exists."