VOLUNTEER litter pickers have hit out at the council after proposals to preserve an important mining monument which has been left forgotten in the middle of an overgrown roundabout were shot down.

In the middle of Birdwell Round-about, just off junction 36 of the M1, there’s a colliery wheel in dedication to miners and their families who had previously worked at the nearby Rockingham Colliery.

However, many have probably not noticed this dedication to the area’s history, as the central part of the busy roundabout has been left to overgrow with bushes and trees now covering the memorial.

Litter pickers from the Hoyland Common Residents’ Group have noticed the increased shrubbery and proposed to the council that as part of their work cleaning the area they could cut back some of the overgrowth to better show off the memorial. However, the council dismissed the suggestion, citing health and safety concerns.

One such volunteer, Jasmine Holt, told the Chronicle: “I believe it was put in there when the roundabout was first built.

“It was to acknowledge the community and it’s got this beautiful stone plaque it’s all still in pristine condition. But you can’t see it at all unless you know it’s there.

“All we want to do is put it back on show it would mean pruning some bushes back but there’s no tree felling, nothing will be removed.”

While Jasmine agrees that health and safety regulations are important, she reiterated that the group are simply trying to get the memorial back into public view.

“There were no problems when we were going onto the roundabout to litter pick for them,” she added.

“When we started the council said they could save thousands if residents went out litter picking we got behind them and said we’d help.

“Now they’re saying they can’t afford to do this work.

“This is a mining area, people coming off the motorway could see this monument and know the heritage.”

She is now working with both Couns Andy Wray who’s been trying to find a solution since 2023 when a former miner informed him of the hidden monument and Sherry Holling to find a solution.

Coun Wray added: “It’s slightly disappointing that public money that has been used in the past to create this memorial will for now be left hidden out of sight.

“I’ve asked the council what solutions there could be to bring an outcome of a fitting tribute to the memory of the miners of Rockingham Colliery.”

Coun Kevin Osborne, cabinet support member for environment and highways, said: “We have suggested a safety assessment be completed before any work is undertaken. Whilst local residents have generously offered their assistance in maintaining the site, it is important to note, due to the nature of this location, the council has a responsibility to ensure any works are undertaken safely. This site is a high-volume traffic area and presents significant health and safety risks relating to entering, leaving and working on the site therefore it is essential works are undertaken by council staff that are trained and experienced in working in such locations.

The maintenance of our public spaces are a priority for us and we have to be aware of all considerations from safety to our commitment to environmental matters.”