Villagers who fear mining beneath Naburn could leave their homes even more vulnerable to flooding than they already are may invoke human rights legislation in an effort to get it stopped.

They believe if mining does go ahead and causes subsidence, leading to an increased risk of flooding, that could infringe three articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, which was enshrined in English law earlier this year.

They say it could threaten their right to life, their right to peaceful enjoyment of their possessions and their right to respect for private and family life.

Villagers are already looking at ways of mounting a legal challenge to RJB's 24-year-old permission to mine a coal seam 700 yards beneath the village under the legislation.

"We are prepared to go to Europe if necessary," declared parish clerk Jenny Balding in advance of a public meeting in the village tonight to discuss the recent floods. "We're very concerned. The flooding last month has highlighted the dangers. We're still recovering from the floods and some people are not living in their houses yet. We've had more than enough."

Permission to mine beneath Naburn dates back to 1976. Under the terms, subsidence of up to one metre would be permissible - leading, flood-weary villagers fear, to an increased risk of even more severe flooding in future.

RJB insists before mining begins, it will agree flood defence measures with the Environment Agency that would guarantee residents at least the same protection as they enjoy now. But that pledge is proving little comfort.

"Building a wall around every property or down the banks of the river is not the answer," Mrs Balding said. "That's just sending the problem somewhere else further downstream."

Mrs Balding said any legal action would have to be taken by the village as a whole because the parish council could not afford it.

But she added: "We have got to find a way forward."

RJB spokesman Stuart Oliver said today his company had all the consents it needed to begin mining, once flood defence measures had been agreed. If villagers felt they wanted to mount a legal challenge, that was a matter for them, he said.

"Obviously, we will respond accordingly."