The works involved capping a disused mine shaft, clearing the old heapstead building around the shaft and demolishing a derelict electrical substation to help protect the public and ensure long-term safety for the local community.

Although the 275m deep mine shaft, also known as the Morton Upcast shaft, was secure before we started the works, it had never been fully treated to modern standards. 

The heapstead building and substation were in a secure area of the former colliery site, but had started to deteriorate and be occasionally vandalised and had become a safety concern 

To provide a permanent, modern solution, the shaft was capped with a reinforced concrete slab – around 0.8 metres thick and placed at a depth of 6.5m below ground level. The heapstead building and substation were demolished and all the materials removed from the site.

Safety works being undertaken at the former Morton Colliery site.

James Walker, project manager for our public safety and subsidence team said:  

We are committed to keeping people safe and providing peace of mind and these works demonstrate our ongoing efforts to mitigate risks associated with disused mining infrastructure and help create safer communities.

With the works complete, plans for the future of the site, such as the development of a memorial garden can now also be considered so that the rich mining history of this area is acknowledged appropriately.

Coal mine hazards can be reported to us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 288 4242.