MINING union leaders have warned that the Selby pit complex could close this December - three months earlier than the planned closure date.

One union official told the Evening Press that a plan had been put forward at Wistow Mine which would mean accessing only one more coalface. He said this would mean production would finish in November or December.

The geological problems at Wistow would have a severe effect on the other two pits at Riccall and Stillingfleet.

They, too, would probably have to close at the same time because they rely on the Wistow coal to "sweeten" their poorer quality output.

Updated: 10:38 Saturday, January 18, 2003