Steven Houghton - Leader of Barnsley MBC (front), Graham Dobbs - English Partnerships (left), Mike Lenagh - Managing Director Ogdens Coal Reclamation Division (back) and Paul Guest - Renaissance South Yorkshire (right)

The scheme’s objectives will be met by the carrying out of a coal recovery operation on the tip. This will not only remove the coal from the tip but will also allow pockets of contaminated material to be identified and removed from site. The clean discard material from the operation will then be used to create a more acceptable landscaped feature.

Preparation work at New Park Spring colliery tip commenced in October 2004 with the construction of a barrel washer - a specialised piece of equipment, which is specifically designed to remove coal from the colliery spoil.

The washing plant took five months to construct and to mark the commencement of the restoration work, the leader of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Steven Houghton, Paul Guest, Senior Project Manager from Renaissance South Yorkshire and English Partnerships project manager Graham Dobbs visited the site to witness the work getting underway.

Ian Bramley, head of property and coalfields, at Renaissance South Yorkshire explains: “The restoration work at New Park Spring will vastly improve the vibrancy and attractiveness of the area. The regeneration of sites such as this not only creates a better environment for local people, it also contributes to the appeal of the region as a whole, ultimately, creating jobs and attracting investment.”

Graham commented: “This will not only greatly improve the environment but also give local people a valuable area for recreational use.”

At 466 acres Grimethorpe is the largest site in the Coalfield Programme. The first two phases of development land are already complete and plots are being sold.

Steven Houghton, leader of Barnsley MBC said: “We are pleased to see the development of New Park Springs coming along and see the wider development of the Grimethorpe site a massive boost for the local community.”

The restoration of the New Park Spring colliery tip is the next phase of the development and regeneration of the site.

Mike Lenagh, Managing Director of the Ogden Group Coal Reclamation Division, said: ”The Ogden Group are pleased to be working with Renaissance South Yorkshire on this scheme which will provide the people of Grimethorpe with a ‘once and for all’ solution to the restoration of the former colliery tip and contribute to the overall regeneration of the area”