Skip to main contentAccess keys help

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Last Updated: Friday, 26 March, 2004, 11:59 GMT
Ideas sought for historic mine
People living near a Staffordshire colliery, given Ancient Monument status, are being asked for their ideas on its future.

The former Chatterley Whitfield colliery, which closed in 1976, is recognised as the best remaining example of a coalmining site in the UK.

Developers have drawn up plans they say could bring new jobs, training and community facilities to the area.

The public can view the ideas at two consultation events.

They will be held at The Chatterley Centre on 1 April and on 3 April at Whitfield Valley Centre.

There is an opportunity to regenerate the site - while respecting its valuable heritage
Rob Pearson, English Partnerships

Representatives from English Partnerships, which is funding the clean-up and regeneration of the site, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which owns the land, and English Heritage will be on hand to answer questions.

Alec Morrison, project co-ordinator at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "No-one knows the needs of the area better than those who live there and we hope they take this opportunity to come along and let us know what they think."

Chatterley Whitfield was added to English Partnership's National Coalfields Programme, which aims to regenerate the former coalfield communities of England, in 2002.

It has a preservation status as an Ancient Monument and six of its 34 pit buildings are listed.

Rob Pearson, head of national programmes at English Partnerships, said: "Technical preparation and exploratory work has been carried out to determine feasible future uses for the site.

"There is an opportunity to regenerate the site - while respecting its valuable heritage - creating employment and community facilities, preserving wildlife and providing training opportunities for local people."




SEE ALSO:
EU cash for former pit
23 Sep 03  |  Staffordshire
Pit baths' hidden heritage
26 Nov 01  |  England


RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia
UK | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health
Have Your Say | In Pictures | Week at a Glance | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes
AmericasAfricaEuropeMiddle EastSouth AsiaAsia Pacific