Shireoaks: New viewpoint gives views across Bassetlaw

Official opening of new view point at Shireoaks, pictured is Coun Sybil Fielding cutting the ribbon watched by local councillors and members Friends of Woodlands (w130716-4a)

The £17,000 project for the pit tip, which was first restored in 1999, has seen a new oak sculpture depicting a chimney from the tip installed as well as a circular wall, oak benches and limestone path.

Among the highlighted views from the summit are Harworth Colliery and Shireoaks village to the north, Steetley Chapel and Worksop Manor to the south, Manton Wood Turbine and Trent Valley power stations to the east and Netherthorpe Aerodrome and Whitwell Wood to the west.

Children from St Luke’s Church of England (Aided) Primary School worked with sculptor Lewis Morgan on designing nature and heritage scenes to be incorporated in the overall design of the benches.

Mellor Plant Hire carried out the stonework on the infrastructure of the viewpoint.

The project was funded by Notts County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme and supported by local councillor Sybil Fielding following an application by the Shireoaks Local History Group.

Coun Fielding said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the latest improvements at The Woodlands and they will no doubt encourage more people to use the area.”

“I know that people who work locally walk to the summit and sit and enjoy the views, which are truly breathtaking.”

Coun Fielding was joined at the summit by Notts County Council leader Alan Rhodes, environment and sustainability committee chairman Jim Creamer, representatives from the Shireoaks Local History Group, members of the Friends of The Woodlands and Coach Green and children from St Luke’s.

Local history group member Bernie Ayton said: “I hope that the viewpoint becomes the place where people hold local events and it attracts many more visitors to the area.”

“I’m also delighted that the schoolchildren were involved as they have picked up details about their local environment and local history.”

A plaque detailing the work that has been carried out and further information about the views will be installed later in the year.

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