The little UK city with a thriving excessive avenue that’s bounced again after a serious collapse | UK | News | EUROtoday

A Yorkshire city that was as soon as hit laborious by the collapse of its coal business is now thriving, with new houses, family-friendly parks, and a booming excessive avenue. Pontefract in West Yorkshire misplaced 1000’s of jobs when the Prince of Wales Colliery closed in 2002 after greater than a century of coal manufacturing. At its peak, the pit employed over 2,000 males and performed a large function within the city’s identification.

Martin, 71, who labored on the colliery for years, instructed the Express he nonetheless remembers the day it shut. “It was a sad day when it shut, no doubt about it,” he stated. “My dad worked down there, and so did his dad before him. Then I followed in their footsteps. It wasn’t just a job, it was part of who we were as a family.” Martin, who didn’t want to share his surname, stated the closure affected the entire city.

“When they announced it was closing, it hit the town hard. A lot of lads were suddenly out of work, and you could feel the difference straight away.

“Shops were quieter, spirits were low. It felt like everything we knew was slipping away.”

After the pit shut, Martin took a job at a neighborhood grocery store, the place he labored for practically 20 years.

“It wasn’t the same as pit life, but I was grateful to have the work. You just got on with it.

“Slowly, the town started to find its feet again. More jobs came, shops picked up, and people stuck together. That’s what kept us going.”

Now retired, Martin nonetheless lives in Pontefract. “I’m happy here. It’s not the same town it used to be, but it’s still home. I’ve got my friends, my memories, and I still go for a walk past where the pit used to be.”

He stated a memorial close to the location means rather a lot to him. “When I saw it unveiled, I felt proud. It’s good folks haven’t forgotten what it meant. The men and their families deserve to be remembered.”

The memorial was unveiled in 2021 and stands 5 metres tall on Park Road, close to the previous pit entrance.

It was designed by native artist and ex-miner Harry Malkin and funded by regeneration firm Harworth Group.

Former miner John Hopkins formally unveiled it, alongside former pit staff Garry Foreman, Phil Shaw and Pete Lansfield.

The mission was a part of a long-running marketing campaign led by native councillors, ex-miners and Pontefract and Castleford MP Yvette Cooper, who’s now the Foreign Secretary.

Back in 2021, Ms Cooper stated: “It is fantastic to see this wonderful memorial finally in place. We’ve been working over many, many years to get this.

“Prince of Wales Colliery was a vital part of our history for 140 years and we are proud of that.

“Pontefract was built on liquorice and coal, that is why we wanted this memorial here at the gateway to Pontefract as well as the gateway to the Prince of Wales site.”

She added: “Everyone can see this proud tribute to the miners who worked here through the generations, powering the country, as well as the families and communities who supported them.

“My grandad was a miner and so many people around here come from mining families so we know how much this means.”

Artist Harry Malkin stated the metal and stone sculpture was impressed by the mining cage that took males up and down the shaft.

He added: “Using profile cut panels of steel, it gives it a sense of direction and drama, conveying the sense miners were ‘caged’ safe, yet also trapped in an underground life we fought for so long to keep.”

Mr Hopkins, who labored on the pit for over 20 years, stated: “During its heyday the pit employed over 2,000 men and produced a record breaking 34,000 tonnes of coal per week.

“This memorial honours all those who worked at Prince of Wales and will ensure that the legacy of local miners, and their families, is never forgotten.”

The colliery web site has since been reworked. Harworth Group bought planning permission in 2013 to construct greater than 900 houses on the land, together with retailers, cafes, inexperienced area, and group services.

Work started that very same yr, and far of the event is now full.

A Wakefield Council spokesperson instructed the Express: “Pontefract certainly is a sweet success story. Home to Haribo and our hugely popular liquorice festival which returns year on year.

“Visitors can see the picturesque ruins of Pontefract Castle or enjoy the Green Flag award-winning Pontefract Park.

“Students can excel at New College Pontefract, and it’s also home to Pontefract Racecourse, the longest continuous flat racing circuit in Europe.”

The city has additionally seen hundreds of thousands in funding in recent times. The £21 million Aspire@ThePark leisure centre opened in 2021 with a swimming pool, gymnasium, climbing wall, and outside pitches.

The council additionally spent £6.47 million upgrading Pontefract Market, whereas an additional £3.35 million goes into the “Streets for People” scheme to enhance security, public transport and entry across the city.

“We’re proud of Pontefract’s coal mining roots,” the council stated. “The closure of the Prince of Wales Colliery led to the development of new housing and community facilities, with a strong emphasis on honouring the area’s important mining heritage.

“But one thing that really stands out about Pontefract is the people. A warm and welcoming place with a fabulous community. We’re proud of Pontefract but understand there is always more to be done.”

Today, Pontefract is a vigorous market city with loads to see and do. Pontefract Castle provides panoramic views, dungeon excursions, and family-friendly occasions all yr spherical.

There’s additionally Pontefract Park, Friarwood Valley Gardens, and a neighborhood observatory that hosts public stargazing nights.

The Robin Hood pub subsequent to its personal brewery is a success with ale lovers, and the city’s Georgian buildings are full of cafes, boutiques, and historical past.

Each yr, Pontefract hosts well-liked occasions together with Armed Forces Day, Proms on the Castle, Light Up, and the Liquorice Festival.

For Martin and others who bear in mind the pit’s remaining days, the city’s restoration has been gradual however regular.

“It’s not perfect,” he stated. “But it’s come a long way. And that matters.”