Biddulph’s New Mining Heritage Lanterns Receive Praise

A councillor has stated that new lanterns, which have been installed in Biddulph to commemorate the region’s mining heritage, are “better than we hoped they’d be”. These three lamps were initially placed on a roundabout near St John’s Road in 2004 and subsequently taken down in 2022 for necessary repairs. However, Biddulph East councillor Jill Salt explained that the original lamps were “too far gone,” necessitating the creation of new replacements. The expense for this project was distributed among various councils and partners, as Biddulph Town Council had indicated the absence of a maintenance agreement for the previous installations. According to the authority, the design from 2004 was modeled after an antiquated safety lamp. Councillor Salt mentioned witnessing the lamps deteriorate and expressed a desire to restore them, having first raised the issue with the council in 2019. The initiative incurred a cost exceeding £15,000, but she noted that Biddulph Town Council had accumulated reserves specifically for “capital expenses on a project like this”. She further elaborated, stating, “It was also supported by Moorlands Partnership Board which safeguards heritage projects and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, so it was a joint project.” Salt added, “Although it’s all taxpayers’ money, it’s come from three different sources through capital funds, rather than revenue, so I do think it’s a great value for money and there’s loads of positive feedback and it’s not often we get to spend taxpayers’ money with positive feedback and it’s what people wanted.” The council confirmed that the new lanterns are designed to resemble the more recognizable “protector” mining lamp. “I think they’re better than we hoped they’d be,” Salt commented, emphasizing the significance of preserving the town’s mining history. She concluded by stating, “Biddulph East wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the mining community, those mining houses that were built and still exist where I grew up in Biddulph East… it’s vital. It’s a fundamental part of our heritage.”