Memorial erected to honour history of pit

A TOWERING monument – believed to be the largest mining memorial in the world – was erected in Walsall last weekend.

The 55ft high replica pit head, designed by artist Luke Perry, was put in place during Saturday and Sunday in Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood.

Walsall Council's project represents a winding gear from the Walsall Wood colliery that stood close to the site and operated from the late 19th century to the 1960s.

Councillor Mike Flower, chairman of the Walsall Wood regeneration steering committee, said: "This is a magnificent project that is really capturing the imagination here in Walsall Wood, I'm very pleased to say.

"Mining played such an important role here for centuries and former miners and their descendants still live here. There's a real enthusiasm to celebrate that heritage.

"Walsall Wood is also a very forward looking and open place and we want this to be reflected in the scheme.

"It's a really proud moment seeing this go up. This safeguards and captures the area's heritage through the artwork for future generations."

Artist Luke Perry, of Industrial Heritage Stronghold, joined Walsall Council's creative development team and spent more than six months working with residents and traders to develop the plans.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is just such an incredible achievement.

"We spent a great deal of time talking to the people of Walsall Wood to see what they would like.

"Pride in mining heritage came back loud and clear and we understand from the artist that this is the largest memorial to mining in the world.

"Why do something like this? This is about putting Walsall Wood on the map and being a catalyst for regeneration in the area."

The Pit Head is part of a £40,000 Walsall Council public art scheme which will also create sculptures of a miner and life-sized figures.

Five pieces are to be produced, with the pit head on land at the rear of Oak Park Leisure Centre.

At Brooklands Road, a plaque will be laid at the village green with brass figures of Walsall Wood people nearby.

A fisherman sculpture is set to be created for the canal and the figure of a miner will be produced for Walsall Wood High Street.

The work comes after Walsall Council successfully completed the acclaimed Brownhills Miner statue in Chester Road.