WITH demolition day looming, heritage enthusiasts gathered at an iconic mining monument today (Thursday) to protest for its retention as a symbol of the region’s industrial past.

A demolition order was issued for the headgear at Groverake mine near Rookhope in Weardale, County Durham, last Friday, despite the community’s efforts to save it.

Residents and industrial heritage lovers met at the site today (Thursday) to demonstrate the strength of their feelings and The Northern Echo understands this has prompted the landowner’s agent, GSC Grays, to resume negotiations.

Margaret Manchester, of the campaign group The Friends of Groverake, said: “This is good news but as far as we are aware the demolition order, due to take place next week, has not yet been rescinded.”

The fluorspar headgear is the last of its kind in County Durham and it is regarded by many as a “fixed symbol of a vanished industry.”

This summer, the mine’s owners Sherburn Stone’s lease came to an end, meaning it was duty bound to clear the site.

Paul Allison, of Sherburn Stone, said he would donate the headgear to a preservation group and GSC Grays agreed to consider a formal business plan. The Friends of Groverake submitted a plan last month but has received very little feedback.

They were saddened when they heard the demolition was due to go ahead as the Coal Authority was planning to construct a mine water treatment scheme on the site.

However, the Coal Authority has since stated: “Our initial review suggested that removal of the headstock from above the No 2 shaft would be the simplest way to allow access to the shaft.We are at such an early stage in the feasibility study that we would not want this technical perspective to override any archaeological or cultural considerations relating to the fate of the heritage at Groverake Mine.”

Writer and broadcaster John Grundy, who joined the campaigners at the site, said the Groverake headgear was of great historical importance, adding: “When a place loses its heritage, it loses its soul.”

GSC Grays was unavailable for comment.