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Campaign to save iconic pit headstocks is flying

Posted onPosted on 18th Jan

Hopes that the iconic Grade II listed headstocks at the former Clipstone Colliery could be preserved and turned into a future leisure or business use have moved a step forward.

Funding for a survey to review the structure has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England and structural engineers have been appointed.

A drone equipped with a camera has flown over the structure — the tallest of their type when they were built in the 1950s — to assess the condition of the winding towers, which are all that remain of the colliery that was closed in 2003.

The drone has produced high-quality images that will form part of the review, which will look to assess repair costs and explore options and feasibility studies for the regeneration of the pit-top area.

The project is being led by the Clipstone Colliery Regeneration Group (CCRG), which is pleased with the progress and has urged anyone wanting to get involved in the project to get in touch.

Louise Brennan, Historic England planning director in the East Midlands, said: “Historic England was pleased to provide a grant to CCRG for the drone-based survey of the headstocks.

“With this technology we will be able to take a closer look at this impressive Grade II listed structure, which is vital to understand its condition and to inform future plans.

“We welcome CCRG’s work and the backing they have received from the Heritage Lottery Fund to explore creative new uses and a role for the headstocks in the wider regeneration of Clipstone.”

Jonathan Platt, of the Heritage Lottery Fund, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players, I am pleased we have been able to support this important piece of work, which will help to determine the future of the headstocks at Clipstone.”

Award-winning architects Maber have also been appointed to the project.

Rachel Staley, chairman of CCRG, which is driving a campaign to save the headstocks, said: “I’d like to thank all of our supporters as we move forward to the next exciting phase of our campaign.

“I’d also like to thank all those people who play the Lottery and therefore help fund worthwhile projects like ours around the country.”