Delight at decision to rebuild dismantled landmark

Campaigners have welcomed a decision to rebuild a Nottinghamshire mining landmark which was dismantled over safety fears.

Broxtowe Borough Council removed Brinsley headstocks in December after an inspection found the structure had "deteriorated and posed a risk to public safety".

The authority has confirmed the 1872-built winch will be replaced "with a full oak model" in a project costing up to £220,000.

Nigel Harrison, one of the campaigners , said he was delighted with the announcement.

He said campaigners had been pressing the council to rebuild the structure in its orginal form but feared it would look to replace it with a piece of public art.

A report, considered by the council's cabinet on Tuesday had suggested a £50,000 art installation was the most sustainable option.

"Public opinion has overwhelmingly been in favour of replacing the headstocks just as they were," said Mr Harrison.

"We're feeling pretty delighted that looks like it will happen.

"We now hope the council will let us be involved in the process.

"Those headstocks have been a true reminder of this area's mining heritage."

Brinsley Colliery, off Mansfield Road near Brinsley, opened in 1842 and closed in 1934. 

It was later reclaimed as a nature and picnic area, with the preserved wooden headstocks as a focal point, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The pit employed the father of author D.H. Lawrence and features in one of his books.

Council leader Milan Radulovic said: “We will be replacing the headstocks with a full oak model to demonstrate for the future and teaching future generations about the debt of gratitude we owe to the working classes for our prosperity in this country."

He said he would personally oversee the headstocks' restoration,

Ken Hamilton, chair of the friends group, said: “It’s the decision we were fighting for.

“I regard the headstocks the same as I would do Wollaton Park or the castle, [in Nottingham] they’re that important for the heritage.”

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