Dear Cllr Crute,
Darren (Bryant, from the Coal Authority) has asked
me to contact you regarding the query you raised on the Castle Eden site. The
Police informed us that they had been informed by the local community that
children were playing in an open adit in the Blackhall Colliery area. We
despatched Mines Rescue to undertake mine entry inspections for the whole area
which included all 7 shafts and adits due to the exact location was unclear.
The mines rescue inspector did find an issue at the adit/drift shown below and
temporarily secured it. His inspection record stated that he found an “open
area of adit approx 1metre in circumference and 2.5 in depth , unsure of how
far tunnel went back because of safety reasons. I filled hole in using stock
fencing and timber to stop anyone falling in the gap accidentally.”
A more permanent
solution will be sorted in the very near future.
As you will be aware from previous posts (Thursday 21 June) on this site my overriding concern has been to ensure public safety. The area is now made safe and the CA confirms that a permanent solution will be sought in the near future.
I will keep you up to date with developments as they arise but please let me know if you have any comments or concerns in relation to this matter.
