RESIDENTS who have been campaigning to showcase a ‘forgotten’ mining monument in the middle of an overgrown roundabout said ‘it’s a stomach punch’ that another area has received funding for a similar project.
The Rockingham Colliery mining wheel is currently in situ in the middle of Birdwell Roundabout and is a tribute to miners and their families who had previously worked there.
However, many have probably not noticed this dedication to the area’s history, as the central part of the busy roundabout has been left to overgrow with bushes and trees now covering the memorial.
Coun Andy Wray, who represents the area, has been working with locals and the Hoyland Common Residents’ Group in a bid to ensure that the wheel is not forgotten.
However, their pleas have been pushed back by the council on a number of occasions who have cited health and safety reasons when asked about removing the overgrown shrubs.
It was revealed last week that the Grimethorpe pit wheel is set to be moved thanks to £25,000 in funding - and campaigners described the move as a ‘stomach punch’.
Coun Wray told the Chronicle: “I started campaigning for this in 2023 alongside the Hoyland Common Residents’ Group.
“We’ve gone about it the right way.
“We’ve tried to volunteer on the site and we’ve applied for section 142 permission but it’s been knocked back due to health and safety concerns.
“But no one is saying what those health and safety concerns are.
“We’ve just got no further with what we’re trying to do.”
He added that the mining history is incredibly important for the whole of Barnsley - but feels his ward is being left behind.
“They’re happy to do it in Grimethorpe,” he added.
“I’ve seen they’re doing something in Higham and the monument in Great Houghton has been worked on.
“We want to know why not Hoyland Common.
“I’ve still got people asking why it’s not being done.
“Why not our wheel?”
Campaigner Jaz Holt said the £25,000 would have helped clear the area around the wheel for years to come.
She added: “It’s a stomach punch.
“Everything the residents believe in in this area has been taken away.
“You can understand how deflated this has made everyone feel.
“All they want is someone to come and cut the bushes away.
“The £25,000 would have helped clear it away for years to come.”
She believes there may be some political agenda at play.
“In my opinion I believe that this is a political stance,” she said.
“If it is allowed to be cleared then it’s an independent councillor that’s managed to do it.
“That doesn’t look good for Labour.”
A Barnsley Council spokesperson told the Chronicle: “We understand the strength of feeling locally about the Rockingham Miners’ Wheel and its importance to the area’s heritage.
“We are proud of our mining heritage in Barnsley and want to find ways to continue celebrating it.
“This is why councillors Sherry Holling and Andy Wray have been working closely with council teams on a sustainable alternative project as part of the Love Where You Live initiative, similar to other ward projects.
“Teams across the council and local councillors have explored every feasible option for clearing, enhancing, or relocating the wheel, including volunteer-led works.
“However, the wheel is located on a live highway roundabout, which brings significant health and safety, traffic, and environmental constraints.
“National legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, highways and street works regulations, and wildlife protection laws, sets out the standards that must be met, and unfortunately, volunteer clearance cannot safely or lawfully be undertaken at this site.
“The alternative project being progressed reflects the importance of Rockingham's proud industrial heritage.
“It will provide residents with something they can enjoy and engage with, celebrating the area’s mining heritage in a safe, sustainable, and maintainable way.
“While the wheel itself is in an unfortunate location, this project ensures its legacy is recognised and celebrated for the community.”
