A MONUMENT to Flintshire’s mining past has been restored and returned to its proper home.

The original winding wheel for the Point of Ayr Colliery was finally put back in place on Saturday. 

The mine closed in 1996 but now, more than 20 years later, stands a monument to mark where it once stood.

The winding wheel was rescued after the mine’s closure by the Shropshire Mining Trust who have donated it back to Point of Ayr.

Heritage Lottery funding enabled the frame to be rebuilt and the wheel put in position.

Mike Taylor, senior countryside ranger with Flintshire Council said: “The Point of Ayr Heritage Group applied for the lottery funding which has paid for the pit pony sculpture and the restoration of the winding wheel.

“It’s in a frame and can be seen from the cyclepath.

“It has been a long time in the making and it is great for the former miners living here to see it come back.

“The Shropshire Trust had it stored away and almost fell over themselves to let us have it back.

“It has been a pleasure to be involved with this project and it is fantastic that the restoration has been done thanks to the expertise of Flintshire businesses.

“For example it was shot-blasted in Greenfield and the precision work was done locally. These are skills you just don’t get in other places.”

Mr Taylor added there are a number of events taking place this week to celebrate the occasion, including ‘Birds on the Dee’ today from 1-3pm, a charcoal drawing workshop tomorrow and a ‘Sandcastle Spectacular’ at the weekend.

For more information, visit the Parks and Countryside page on the Flintshire Council website.

Pictures by Geoff Abbott.