Lost pit headstocks to be rebuilt

A mining landmark that was pulled down over a risk to public safety will be rebuilt.

The Brinsley headstocks in Nottinghamshire were removed in December 2023 after an inspection found the structure had "deteriorated".

Campaigners called for the colliery structure to be replaced as part of the area's industrial heritage.

On Wednesday, Broxtowe Borough Council approved a £220,000 "like-for-like" replacement.

Planning committee member Greg Marshall said the scheme was "good news".

He added: "There was a lot of community concern when the headstocks were removed due to health and safety reasons, a lot of doubt that they would be replaced.

"I'm pleased to say yes, they will be."

Brinsley Colliery, off Mansfield Road, opened in 1842 and closed as a working pit in 1934.

They were moved to another pit when the site closed and in 1970, they went to a mining museum, before returning to Brinsley - though not in the exact original position.

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

The replacement timber headstocks towers measure 11m (36ft) in height and will retain the original structure's wheels.

New metal boundary fencing measuring 1.2m (4ft) in height will also be installed, while a hay meadow will be created at the site as part of the plan to boost biodiversity.

Councillor Helen Skinner said: "This is something we are really proud of. There was never going to be objections to it, the concern was it might never happen.

"It is a fantastic thing."

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