Calls to ensure 'iconic' chimney is preserved

A former colliery site with a multi-storey brick building on the left and a tall chimney stack behind it. In the foreground are number of trees without leaves.Image source, LDRS
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The Grade II-listed chimney at the Chatterley Whitfield Colliery is undergoing repairs

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It is "vital" that work is carried out to preserve a Grade II-listed chimney in one of the Midlands' most historic collieries, a councillor has said.

The structure at the former Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, which is owned by Stoke-on-Trent city council, has been cordoned off for repairs after a number of structural issues were uncovered.

Councillor Dave Evans, who represents Baddeley, Milton and Norton, described the chimney as "iconic" and urged the authority to ensure the site was protected.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the exclusion zone around the chimney would remain in place until the essential repairs are carried out.

Evans said the Chatterley Whitfield colliery, which closed in 1977, was the only one of its kind still in existence.

"A lot is made of Stoke-on-Trent's potteries but there would have been no ceramic industry without the coal produced by collieries like Chatterley Whitfield," he said.

"The chimney is iconic – it has a unique design and it can be seen from miles around. Personally speaking, it's how I know I'm near home."

The Conservative councillor said it was "vital" the council did not "just sit on its hands" and wait for the chimney to collapse.

A woman with short blonde hair, glasses and a multi-coloured necklace is wearing a red cardigan and black top. She is standing in front of a white wall.
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Council leader Jane Ashworth said the repairs might take some time

In a written response to Evans' concerns, the Labour-run authority's leader Jane Ashworth said the council was liaising with English Heritage over the planned repairs and regular inspections were being carried out.

She said the structural survey was undertaken as part of the council's commitment to preserving and maintaining the site.

It found the cap at the top of the 55m chimney needed replacing to prevent "water and detritus ingress" and Ashworth said the process might take some time.

Chatterley Whitfield was the biggest coal mine in north Staffordshire and the first in the UK to produce a million tonnes of coal in one year.

The site has 15 listed buildings and was included on Historic England's heritage at risk register due to its deterioration since the colliery's closure.

The wider colliery site is currently only accessible to the public during heritage open days.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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