EX-MINERS who sustained crippling knee injuries in the pits could face a three-year wait before a decision is made on whether compensation is paid.

Bleddyn Hancock, of miners' union Nacods, believes it could take that long if the government contests the legal action.

Nacods and fellow union the NUM are preparing a group litigation order (GLO), involving several test cases, which is due to be heard next month.

Energy minister Malcolm Wicks has told the Argus he will not comment until the GLO has been heard. But Mr Hancock fears, even if the hearing rules injured miners have the right to claim, that the government will contest the action through the courts and is predicting a long battle.

The Argus is campaigning for ex-pitmen with knee damage - as many as 5,000 of them in Gwent - to be compensated.

When the miners' unions fought for compensation for former pitmen's chest diseases - a campaign also backed by the Argus - it took nine years just to reach trial.

Mr Hancock said: "We could be looking at 18 months to two years before we get to court - there are hundreds of thousands of documents.

"The trial itself would take several months and then we'd have to wait for the judgement. So we're looking at three years. That would be too late for some of the very elderly miners."

Ex-miner, William Batt, 81, from Ebbw Street, Risca, said three years would be too long. Mr Batt, who was a miner for 39 years and has severe arthritis in his knees, said: "I doubt I will be able to take much advantage of it."

Mr Hancock, who said some claims could reach six figures, insisted the union was ready to settle out of court and accept discounted payouts in return for a quick resolution.

"We can talk this through and the government can make an offer. Provided it was fair we'd accept that and settle quickly. The miners could then be paid in a couple of months." Some £432 million has so far been paid in compensation for respiratory disease to sick miners, their widows and families, while £140 million has been paid for vibration white finger.

The Argus has run a six-year campaign for ex-miners who suffered chest disease to receive compensation.

UK-wide £3 billion has been paid to ex-miners.