The pit heads in Clipstone are listed structures

The two pit heads tower over the village of Clipstone, near Mansfield, and are a symbol of the village's mining past.

But residents in the village have voted overwhelmingly to get rid of the headstocks at the former pit - which are Grade Two listed structures.

The final decision on how to proceed with the demolition is in the hands of the Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Important heritage

Local people were asked in a ballot whether they wanted to get rid of the old pit headstocks - and four out of five voted in favour of demolition.

We will miss them when they go - I think it is the new people coming into the village who want to get rid of them Former Clipstone miner

Andy Freeman, a Nottinghamshire county councillor, says although he personally wanted to keep the headstocks, he is satisfied with the decision.

"I think they are an important part of British heritage and are the best example of headstocks in the country," he said.

"But it is also important that the villagers have taken an interest in the ballot and made their feelings known."

One miner who worked at the pit said he would be sad to see them torn down.

He said: "We will miss them when they go - I think it is the new people coming into the village who want to get rid of them."

The pit closed in April 2003, putting 170 miners out of work.