'Now, where's the instructions?' - Lost plans leave mining monument as pile of bricks
Councillors wanting a monument in their village have been left with a ‘jigsaw puzzle’ after being given a pile of bricks – and no plan.
Design plans for the long-awaited miners’ monument in Essington, near Wolverhampton, have been lost, the council has revealed.
Members now face the task of putting the bricks together for the measurements to be determined ahead of a planning application being lodged.
The bricks were cast at Ibstock’s Lodge Lane factory 14 years ago on request of a sculptor who then sold it to the Black Country Living Museum.
However, the museum never picked it up and, sensing the opportunity, Essington Parish Council were given ownership of the bricks.
Councillor Mavis North said: “We have a pile of bricks but no plan on how the monument can be formed .
“We need to sit down together and work it out, it’s like a jigsaw puzzle.”
The idea for a monument in the village was first mooted several years ago, with former parish councillor Bryn Whitehouse leading the campaign.
But after the bricks were secured and then delivered it was discovered the plans were gone, thought to have been lost over the years.
The village council wants to put the monument next to its millennium monument near St John’s Church.
The monument will feature a miner’s lamp.
Essington has a strong link to mining with the village dominated with underground coal mines.
Councillor North said: “I’m pleased we have made some progress but there is now work to be done to solve the problem on how it can come together.
“It’d be great to get help, so I’d welcome anyone who can assist us.”
Chairman Peter Lever said: “This is a plan the council has been working on for many years. We now need a bit of help to push us on and make this a reality.”
Anyone who can help can call the Express & Star on 01902 319427.
