The history of the mining industry served by thousands of people across the Black Country has been remembered through a 55-foot pit head memorial.

The unique structure is believed to be the biggest mining tribute in the world and aims to recognise one of the region’s most traditional industries. It was put in place off Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood, at the weekend to mark the area’s proud industrial past. The Pit Head is a replica of winding gear from the Walsall Wood colliery that stood close to the site.

It has been constructed by Cradley Heath-born artist Luke Perry and is the centre piece of a £40,000 public art scheme.

Mr Perry, of Industrial Heritage Stronghold, joined Walsall Council’s creative development team to develop the plans after consultation with residents.

He said: “It weighs around 18 tonnes and has around 800 bolts in it and we believe it is the largest mining monument in the world. All the materials that we have used have been sourced in the Black Country.”

The Walsall Wood Colliery was set up by a group of wealthy Walsall people with no pervious experience of mining.

A lease for the land was obtained from the Earl of Bradford, who as Lord of the Manor owned much of the land surrounding this area, and shaft sinking commenced in 1874.

At the time of sinking, the Walsall Wood shafts were the largest and deepest in the Cannock Chase Coalfield. In the late 19th century the Company took over the Pelsall Coal & Iron Company, whose engineer developed and put into use one of the first coal cutting machines in the country.

The mine was closed on October 30th 1964 due to the exhaustion of economic reserves of coal.

It had helped contribute to rising numbers of people living in the area. By 1851, the population stood at 1,142, the increase due mainly to the influx of miners working at the colliery in Shelfield.

The proposals are designed to reflect Walsall Wood’s proud industrial heritage.