Scheme to refurbish colliery’s ‘landmark’ memorial

WORK HAS begun to refurbish the Glasshoughton ‘Wheel of Light’ in Castleford to ensure that the memorial is preserved for future generations.

The wheel is dedicated to the thousands of people who worked at the Glasshoughton Colliery and Coke Works, including the many who died due to accident and illness.

It is currently owned by construction and development specialist Waystone, which is responsible for much of the development in the area.

The firm will repaint the wheel before handing it over to Wakefield Council, which will complete the works with new lighting.

The wheel will undergo structural checks and will be repainted in multi-colours, then lit with simple white uplighters.

Works are expected to be completed by June.

Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to take over the ownership of this wonderful memorial which embraces our district’s history and heritage.

“I know it means a lot to the local community and once fully refurbished, it will shine bright for many years to come.”

Waystone managing director Stuart McLoughlin said: “Waystone is delighted that we’ve been able to make an arrangement enabling the council to own and maintain the Wheel of Light, which has become a local landmark.”

The colliery closed in 1986 after 117 years as the centre of the community.

It was 10 years before a workable scheme for decontaminating and developing the site was formulated, allowing Waystone to start work in the closing months of 1996.