PLANS for a permanent memorial at the site of a mining disaster in Torfaen have been altered due to concerns over health and safety requirements.

On February 6, 1890, 176 men and boys were killed in a gas explosion at the Llanerch colliery in Abersychan, near Pontypool.

The Friends of the Llanerch Memorial Fund originally wanted to install replica pit-head winding gear and a plinth with the names of the deceased at the site of the disaster.

However, Kenneth Clark, the chairman of the Friends group, has confirmed that the idea has been scrapped.

“The original decision to have a memorial in the form of a pit headgear – frame and cage – with surrounding plinth incorporating the 176 names has had to be discontinued,” he said.

“This is because advice given to us that the health and safety requirements of such a structure in an isolated place like the Llanerch would add significantly to the sum required.

“Added to this would be future public liability insurance costs being significant.”

The chairman added that the decision was not taken lightly and was a huge disappointment to the core group within the Friends of the Llanerch Memorial Fund team.

“This was very frustrating after the time and effort put into the project, which, following the difficulty and delays in ascertaining the various owners of the site, caused some heartache for our small group,” he said.

“We started off at the inaugural meeting with around 50 members but are now just a small group.

“However, the continued support we receive make us determined that the Llanerch monument project will definitely happen.”

The new plan for a memorial at the site is for wood sculptures to adorn the site of the former colliery, and the Friends group are planning to reignite their fundraising endeavours.

“The new plan is now to have wood sculptures by Chris Wood telling the story, with the figure of man carrying his son and a line of panels telling the story,” said Mr Clark.

“There will a plinth with names of 176 killed plus information boards and benches.

“A site meeting with Chris Wood has taken place and the proposed figure and boards provisionally agreed. We are waiting for the projected costs.

“Fundraising will be stepped up and we hope people of our area will support these events.”

A history open day and fundraiser will be taking place on Saturday, September 16 at the Millennium Hall in Garndiffaith between 10am and 3pm, with all proceeds supporting the memorial fund.

For details, contact Kenneth Clark on Ken.clark1@tesco.net or call 01495 773073.