Options considered to replace dismantled landmark

The council removed the landmark in December over structural safety fears

A decision about the future of a mining landmark is set to be made by councillors this week.

Broxtowe Borough Council dismantled Brinsley headstocks in December after an inspection found the structure had "deteriorated and posed a risk to public safety".

However campaigners have been calling for the equipment, a winch used to transport miners into the former colliery, to be put back up.

The council is considering whether to spend up to £220,000 rebuilding the headstocks in its original timber form.

The headstocks' timber has been in storage since December

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the authority was also considering a steel-framed replacement costing up to £280,000, or an entirely new piece of interactive art which could cost up to £50,000.

A report, to be considered by the council's cabinet on Tuesday, said a local artist could be commissioned "to capture the cultural and historical importance of the site".

Earlier this year 747 people responded to a consultation on the headstocks' future.

It found 70% of respondents wanted a complete timber replacement, with 12% preferring a steel structure, and 14% choosing an art installation.

The council report said it would cost £30,000 a year to maintain.

The Friends of Brinsley Headstock group has said it wanted them rebuilt in timber

The report said that while new artwork was not the most popular choice and would not replace the previous structure, it presented "a more sustainable outcome both environmentally and economically".

The Brinsley headstocks have a working history dating back to 1872. The pit employed the father of author D.H. Lawrence and features in one of his books.

The Friends of Brinsley Headstocks group organised a petition, signed by 576 people, urging the council to restore and preserve the landmark.

It has said it would prefer a wooden replacement.

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