Reserve area fenced off as uncapped mine shaft found

The council has fenced the area off as a precaution

Part of a Nottinghamshire nature reserve has been fenced off after an uncapped mine shaft was found during the rebuilding of a historical landmark.

Brinsley Headstocks is currently being re-erected after it was dismantled in 2023 because parts of its wooden structure were found to be rotten and unsafe.

Broxtowe Borough Council said a survey, carried out as part of the £220,000 reconstruction, detected the shaft on Tuesday.

The authority has asked people to stay away from the area while works take place to ensure it is safe.

The old structure is being replaced with a "like-for-like" replica

Brinsley Colliery closed in 1934.

While defunct mine shafts are usually sealed for safety reasons, the council said the one found this week had not been covered off.

A council spokesperson said: "We have erected fencing around the perimeter, notices have been put up to ask visitors to stay away from the area and lighting will be on in the evenings to ensure the site is safe.

"A structural engineer will also attend the site.

"There is the possibility that the fenced area could be expanded if required."

'Like-for-like replica'

The headstocks were moved to another pit when the site closed and in 1970, they went to a mining museum, before returning to Brinsley - though not in the exact original position.

The pit employed the father of author D.H. Lawrence and features in one of his books.

The council approved a plan to replace the lost headstocks earlier in January with a "like-for-like" replica.

The replacement timber headstocks towers measure 11m (36ft) in height and will retain the original structure's wheels.