A PERMANENT memorial planned to commemorate 176 men and boys who died in a colliery explosion in 1890, has received around £6,500 in donations to make it a reality.

On February 6, 176 people were killed in a gas explosion at the Llanerch colliery in Abersychan.

The Friends of the Llanerch Memorial Fund have planned to install a replica pit-head winding gear at the site, once the funding has been achieved and planning proposals approved.

“It has been agreed that the memorial will be a replica pit-head winding gear, with a plinth around the base inscribed with the names and ages of the dead as well as four information boards and benches, surrounded by a wild flower meadow, or similar, according to advice from countryside experts,” said Ken Clark, the group’s chairman.

“We have ascertained that the land is owned by different organisations but Torfaen County Borough Council’s Planning Department have offered to draw up a legal document covering the necessary permissions from owners and this will cost £500.”

The fund has received £2,000 from Abersychan ward member and former mayor, Giles Davies, who selected it as one of his chosen charities during his mayoral period.

A further donation of £1,500 has come from Jon Langford, a Pontypool man now living in the USA, as well as support from the Christmas Carols Under the Arch event and a DVD on mining.

The fund is also considering applying for status as a charity, which the committee hope will aid its ability to fundraise towards the permanent memorial.

Mr Clark added: “There are many worthy causes trying to raise funds and we recognise the Llanerch Memorial Fund memorial fund comes after some of these worthy causes.

“However, there is support for our fund and we continue to be surprised and pleased at these contributions.”

For more information on the Friends of the Llanerch Memorial Fund, contact Ken Clark on 01495 773073 or ken.clark1@tesco.net.