Residents have demanded an apology from a mining company they say is "dragging its feet" over plans for an open cast coal mine.

The Minorca Open Cast Protest Group (MOPG) said the prospect of UK Coal extracting 1.5 million tonnes of coal and fireclay from the 321-acre former Minorca colliery site, near Measham, is blighting the lives of local people.

The firm revealed its intentions in September 2008 and submitted a planning application to Leicestershire County Council last July.

However, the county planning authority has now said it may not be decided until the summer.

In a letter to UK Coal, MOPG spokesman Steve Leary said the firm should withdraw the application.

He said: "We have been waiting long enough. This has now been dragging on for nearly 17 months.

"Since September 2008, people who live within 800 metres of the proposed site have had their lives put on hold. If they want to move house for any reason, be it a change in or loss of a job, the break-up of a relationship or death of a partner, they are under an obligation to tell any prospective buyer about the likelihood of an opencast mine being granted planning permission, thus reducing any interest, as well as the value of offers.

"We strongly protest about the position in which your company has put these householders. Each deserves an apology.

"We want UK Coal to come clean on the reasons why it is taking so long.

"We have been very patient, but our patience is wearing thin. It's time UK Coal plc put up or shut up".

The group has raised concerns about noise, the effect of dust on health, traffic, its visual impact and a potential threat to wildlife in the River Mease Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Members argue that UK Coal is using delaying tactics until the demand for coal increases.

UK Coal spokesman Stuart Oliver denied the allegations and said the firm would be responding to the letter in full. He said: "There is absolutely no justification for suggesting that we are dragging our feet on this issue.

"It is a complex planning application and the time it has taken demonstrates the careful steps taken to make sure all the issues raised in the consultation are addressed.

"As far as the demand for coal is concerned, we have a contract with four of the UK's major power generators for £30m tonnes of coal. We have no interest in delaying these plans."

He said one point the firm was awaiting clarification on was whether the Environment Agency thinks the mine could potentially affect water quality and harm wildlife in the River Mease SAC, which is home to protected species such as spined loach fish, white-clawed crayfish and bullhead fish.

The environment watchdog has said it will object to any such development in the area until the sewage treatment works at Packington are upgraded.

A spokesman for Leicestershire County Council said: "The applicant is producing a supplementary document to address the concerns raised. The County Council is likely to determine the application by the summer."