Monument to mining heritage is unveiled
A monument celebrating a Northumberland town’s mining heritage has been unveiled.
Standing at almost 5m tall, the black pit wheel sits on Rotary Parkway in Ashington.
Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery joined ex-miners and members of the community for the official unveiling of the monument.
The project, funded by Ashington Town Council, was carried out to mark the 150th anniversary of the former mining town.
Mr Lavery said: “The wheel will remind this and future generations of the significance of coal mining to the area. Ashington was known as the largest pit village in the world.
“The location close to the Miner’s Chapel and the Colliery Heritage Trial will act as a fitting memorial to more than 300 men who lost their lives at Ashington Colliery.”
Mr Lavery was joined at the unveiling by William Mason, who at 100 years old is believed to be the oldest living miner in the town.
The town council’s leader Stephen Fenwick said: “The entrance feature will offer residents and visitors alike an excellent opportunity to reflect on the significance of coal mining both culturally and economically to the development of the town.
“It is fitting that the wheel should be unveiled in 2017 as we work to build a brighter future for the town from a proud past.”
Historians found Ashington dates back to 1867 when the Bothal mining shaft was first shrunk. This then led to the rapid expansion of coal mining and the development of the town.
During its heyday, Ashington was considered “the world’s largest coalmining village”.
It had a working pit and was at the centre of an industry that was thriving, providing work for thousands of people.
However, by the end of the 1980s, things started to change after the coal mines the town was built on were closed down.
The closures blighted the local economy, battering its identity and sense of community.
In recent years around £200m has been invested in the town, which the Ashington Town Team said has given it a new lease of life.
The projects include the £1.5m scheme to improve Station Road and the opening of manufacturing giant AkzoNobel’s new paint factory.