Mining memorial which is 'more than just a landmark' removed over safety fears as calls grow for its return

A memorial on the site of a former colliery to honour the miners who worked there has been removed after concerns were raised around safety/

Wakefield Council said the structure of the wheel is being checked to see if it should be repaired or if a design change to the support structure is needed.

The Glasshoughton Wheel of Light was unveiled in December 2005 at the site of the former Glasshoughton Colliery and Coke Works.

Joe Jenkinson, Wakefield Council’s service director for Planning, Transportation and Highways, said: “The Wheel of Light in Glasshoughton is an important reminder of the area’s mining history and means a great deal to the local community.

“When a possible safety issue was raised, we took the precaution of laying the monument down and putting barriers around it.

“We’re now checking the structure to understand whether it should be repaired, and put back as was, or whether a difference to the design will be required to ensure the monument can be more effectively reinstated, for the long term.”

Joseph Sunderland posted on Facebook: “I’ve been contacted by residents about the Wheel of Light in Glasshoughton and I’ve also seen people raising their concerns about it on social media.

“The Wheel of Light is more than just a landmark. It is a lasting memorial to the people who worked at the Glasshoughton colliery including the many who sadly lost their lives.

“It’s therefore really sad to see the wheel broken and now laid on the ground like this. It was fought for so that there would be a lasting memorial to the people who worked in our mining industry and to ensure their contribution and sacrifice would never be forgotten. We need to push for this to be repaired.

“I’ve emailed Wakefield Council to ask for an update, whether a repair is planned and whether there is an expected date for the work to be completed. I’ll share the response when I receive it.”