Coal tip removal rejected again

The colliery closed in 1986

Controversial plans to remove six million tonnes of waste from a former coal mine near Wrexham have again been rejected by councillors.

Wrexham Council's planners had recommended that the plans to remove the tip at the former Bersham Colliery be approved.

But Welsh historic monuments agency Cadw had said the tip is an historical feature which should be preserved.

It is the second time in a year the reclamation scheme has been thrown out.

Bersham Colliery in Rhostyllen in Wrexham county closed in 1986, putting 300 miners out of work.

Afterwards the tip became a local landmark and a reminder of the coal mining industry which formed such an important part of the history of north east Wales.

I should imagine it would enhance the environment if they'd clean it up as long as they put something instead of it Former local miner Alfred Jones

Bersham Glenside Ltd, a Midlands-based firm, had submitted an amended scheme to reclaim the tip's waste for use in the building industry.

The firm's revised plan included more than halving the original number of HGVs at the site and building a museum so local people can learn about the mine's industry.

The old winding gear and buildings, which are listed because of their historic value, would also be preserved.

They also said they would build a 250,000 tonne replica of the old tip to serve as a reminder of what once stood there.

But Cadw issued a statement claiming the tip was important not only to the history of Wrexham, but also the industrial heritage of Wales.

Clean it up

It said the organisation's informal view was that the loss of the tip would have an adverse impact on the historic landscape and other elements of the former colliery.

However, Alfred Jones, a local former miner, disagreed.

"Well, I should imagine it would enhance the environment if they'd clean it up as long as they put something instead of it," he said.

"They're on about putting a mining museum there. If that's what they want to keep the heritage going - nothing wrong with that in my opinion."

A report to councillors recommended approval, and said a new museum and future funding would outweigh the loss of the top.

Council leader Aled Roberts had argued the tip should be removed.

"We have a lot of explaining to do as far as our young people are concerned as regards the tradition of the area, and the heritage of the area," said Cllr Roberts.

"But I can't honestly see that you'd do that by retaining what is in effect a waste spoil.

"It's a subjective assessment. Cadw have obviously on this occasion decided that they don't agree with it , but I'm afraid I don't agree with Cadw."