Clipstone headstocks: Last chance to sign petition

Clipstone headstocks are thought to be the tallest surviving examples in Europe

A petition of more than 2,500 signatures to save "iconic" mining headstocks at a former Nottinghamshire colliery closes this week.

A plan to demolish the Clipstone structures, one of the tallest pairs in Europe, was lodged 12 years ago but has still not been determined.

A campaign group wants the Grade-II listed headstocks retained as part of an activity centre.

The council has said opinion in the village is divided.

The Save Clipstone Colliery Headstocks group is seeking Heritage Lottery funding for a development where the headstocks, which date from the early 1950s, would be a centrepiece and used to form a zipwire.

Denise Barraclough, from the group, said the "impressive, iconic structures" were part of the village's identity.

"By creating more significant attractions in the area, we will be encouraging people to spend money in the local economy," she said.

Online and paper petitions have been signed by more than 2,500 people, Ms Barraclough said. The last chance to sign is Tuesday.

Campaigners' proposals for an "Eden Project-style" development include using the headstocks as part of a zipwire

English Heritage said "the case has not been made" for demolition of the headstocks.

Dr Anthony Streeten, East Midlands planning and conservation director, said there were "no more than half a dozen" left in England.

He said they were "a reminder of a hugely important period".

'Vandalised'

A planning application to demolish them, submitted in 2003, has still not been determined.

Newark and Sherwood District Council said the headstocks had been vandalised and were suffering from the effects of corrosion

A spokesman said the village was divided, despite the support behind the petitions.

He said a 2010 parish council petition gathered 1,467 signatures in support of demolition and 83 against.

"The applicants have sought to justify their case for demolition on the basis that retention of the structures is not viable and detrimental to the surrounding area."