A CAMPAIGN in favour of a new memorial to Dinnington's proud mining history has been dealt a blow – after planners turned an initial application down.
The replica mining wheel, that has been standing on Monksbridge roundabout since 1994, is an ‘insult to the community’ according to locals.
However, Rotherham Borough Council’s planning committee said plans to replace it weren’t yet advanced enoug
h for them to consider its removal.
Now campaigners are urging people to help get the project rolling again by contributing ideas for its design and how to fund it.
Borough councillor Simon Tweed said: “The application to remove the current pit wheel was turned down because we do not know what will replace it yet.”
“I don’t think anyone would say we don’t need a fitting tribute to our miners and the people who lost their lives.”
The current memorial is among the first sights to greet motorists coming to Dinnington from the north.
Mr Tweed said: “It doesn’t look right, it’s a disgrace and looks nothing like a proper pit wheel.”
“It should be removed and replaced with something that reflects Dinnington’s proud coal mining heritage.”
“We are going to re-apply and we want local people to get involved so that next time we can have firm plans in place.”
Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) are behind the plans. Current ideas for its replacement include a more impressive-looking wheel or a bronze statue of miners at work.
Anyone who wants to help with the project can contact Mr Tweed by e-mailing simon.tweed@rotherham.gov.uk or by visiting at his community surgery at the Dinnington Resource Centre on 16th January from 11am-1pm.
