Rockingham miners’ wheel hidden for two years amid health and safety row
The Rockingham miners’ wheel, located on the Birdwell roundabout near the former Rockingham Colliery site, has been obscured by overgrowth since 2023
Community campaigners say a miners’ memorial in Rockingham has been left hidden from view for more than two years after repeated requests to clear vegetation were refused on health and safety grounds.
The Rockingham miners’ wheel, located on the Birdwell roundabout near the former Rockingham Colliery site, has been obscured by overgrowth since 2023, according to members of the Hoyland Common Residents Group.
Campaigner Jaz Holt said requests for basic vegetation clearance had been turned down, despite offers from volunteers and approaches made by a local councillor.
“It’s been overgrown since 2023, so since 2023 councillor Andy Wray has been trying to get this through, and was told get a local group to support you,” she said.
“We offered to do it ourselves, we were told no on health and safety grounds.”
Ms Holt said the group later applied for a Section 142 licence under the Highways Act to allow volunteers to carry out the work, but that application was refused.
She said she had repeatedly asked the council to clarify which specific health and safety concerns were being cited.
“It’s actually in pristine condition. It stands so beautifully on a concrete stone base. It’s just idyllic to remember these miners that not just lost their lives, but worked so hard and then later on in life probably got emphysema because they worked in a pit.”
Councillor Andy Wray said he was first approached about the wheel in September 2023 by a former miner who asked whether it could be made visible again.
He said he contacted Barnsley Council’s highways department to explore relocating the wheel but was told there would be significant costs, including road closures, crane hire, planning permission and risk assessments.
Cllr Wray said the council’s South Area Team had been supportive and that a small amount of funding had been identified for an alternative project, discussed with Councillor Sherry Holling and council officers.
In June this year, a site meeting was held with councillors, officers and arborists to consider options including vegetation clearance, relocation or a new heritage project.
However, last month Cllr Wray said he received an email stating that limitations at the site meant further clearance or relocation was not feasible and that officers now considered the matter concluded.
“People of the Rockingham Ward want this wheel on show, whether at the current location or moved to somewhere nearby,” added cllr Wray.
In response, a Barnsley Council spokesperson said the authority understood the strength of feeling locally but said the wheel’s location created serious constraints.
“We understand the strength of feeling locally about the Rockingham Miners Wheel and its importance to the area’s heritage,” the spokesperson said. “We’re 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.”
The spokesperson said council teams and local councillors had explored “every feasible option” for clearing, enhancing or relocating the wheel, including volunteer-led works, but said the site’s location on a live highway roundabout posed significant challenges.
“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,” they said.
“Unfortunately, volunteer clearance cannot safely or lawfully be undertaken at this site.”
They added that an alternative project was being progressed to recognise Rockingham’s industrial heritage in a way that could be safely maintained.
“While the wheel itself is in an unfortunate location, this project ensures its legacy is recognised and celebrated for the community,” the spokesperson said.