I was delivering to lidget springs this morning and the bloke at reception said the old shaft on spring hill road next to Royston glass was on fire late last night. Apparently it cracked the concrete cap and has burnt out the methane funnel. Fire brigade was out there a few hours with the coal board and environmental agency. Coal board believe there was a methane build up and has ignited by some coal dust. Any locals heard or know anything? Apparently there's an entrance down the shaft on clayburn rd that has also been damaged.
Alas our mining heritage will haunt us for many years to come in one way or another, probably take centuries to eradicate. Who will pay for damage or any preventative measures now the EU are out of the frame? Hope we not depending on that lot in Westminster whatever colour rosette they wear.
