A FORMER Leigh woman is planning a campaign for a lasting monument to Bickershaw Colliery miners.

Mary Sayers wants to see a heritage centre built at Plank Lane in memory of the men who worked and died down the pit during its 125 year history.

On a recent return to Leigh after a long absence, Mary, who now lives in Buxton, was shocked to discover that there is no lasting tribute to the colliers of Bickershaw.

She said: "It is an insult to the memory of those who died in accidents there. The whole site has been razed to the ground. "It seems wrong, foolish and short-sighted that the site could not have been transformed into a heritage centre which would preserve memories of the time and the people, as well as providing much-needed jobs."

Mrs Sayers, whose father worked at Bickershaw all his life

Her maternal grandfather was company secretary to Ackers Whitley and her paternal grandfather, Peter Gore, ran a grocer's shop on Plank Lane. She added: "It is shocking to think that there are those who seem to care little about commemorating the sacrifices of mining communities. Can nothing be done to ensure that those who worked at Bickershaw are commemorated with dignity and respect?"

If anyone is willing to support to a campaign they should contact Mary at Hargate Lodge, Wormhill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 8SJ, or by e-mail at hca00mms@shef.ac.uk.