A Whitehaven businessman has condemned the ongoing protests against plans for a mine. 

Across the county, environmental activists are continuing to protests against plans for a new mine in Whitehaven. 

Gerard Richardson, a local business owner, is in favour of the mine. He said: "I'm annoyed and frustrated like an awful lot of the population around here. 

"They've made their point and what they do now is draining police resources because every time they have a protest there are a number of officers present. 

"They won't respect whatever the court order is, they haven't respected anything so far. They keep trying to push their point because it's the only thing they're interested in.

"If I had any faith they were going to respect judgments of the court then I'd be a bit more tolerant, but I don't so I think they should leave us alone and wait for the judgments of the court."

In a recent social media post promoting a protest, the activists said: "It's important that we stand strong against climate-wrecking projects and fight for the future we all deserve - healthy communities, clean energy, and sustainable green jobs."