Issue - meetings

To seek approval to conduct a public consultation on the replacement options for the Brinsley Headstocks.

In January 2023, a condition report and safety inspection was undertaken on Brinsley Headstocks. It identified that the Headstocks were no longer considered capable of safely carrying the load from the winding wheels without intervention.

At the beginning of September 2023, the metal colliery wheels were removed, in the hope that the timbers from the towers could be salvaged. However, in late November employees undertaking checks on the structure noted further deterioration in the wooden structure. This was confirmed by an appropriately qualified employee and concerns were raised that the structure was at risk of imminent collapse. Given the level of deterioration, restoration of the structure, as it currently stood was no longer possible and in the interest of public safety, the most appropriate course of action was to have the Headstocks dismantled. This was undertaken in December 2023. Consideration now had to be given to a way forward at the site, and the public concern over the future of the site was noted. It was stated that there was an opportunity to have something at the site.

RESOLVED unanimously that the implementation of public consultation in accordance with appendix 3 as detailed in the report, be approved.

Reason

Public consultation will assist the Council to ascertain residents’ wishes prior to a further report to Cabinet.