Mine headstocks to be demolished

The headstocks would have cost about £300,000 to restore

One of Nottinghamshire's last remnants of its mining past is to be demolished following a council vote.

The headstocks at the former Annesley pit will be taken down to make way for a new development, which includes 200 homes and a heritage centre.

In 2006, Ashfield District Councillors voted to preserve the headstocks but the cost of restoring and preserving them has proved too great.

The pit was one of the first in the UK when it opened in the 1860s.

It was finally closed down in 2000.

'Good decision'

The headstocks would have cost about £300,000 to restore, parish council officials said.

Speaking before the meeting on Thursday evening, Tony Matthews, vice chairman of the Annesley and Felley Parish Council, said: "We represent the residents and the vast majority are in favour of supporting the demolition as it will bring a heritage centre, health centre, pharmacy and shop.

"We believe we can put work into the heritage centre to give a focal point and keep the history of the village in one place."

After the three-and-a-half meeting, Councillor Austin Rathe, deputy leader of Ashfield District Council, said: "This is a good decision. It is something the residents wanted and the developers can now get on with the site, including a memorial to the mining heritage of this area."