CORSHAM’S mining history has been commemorated with a new sculpture - although its unveiling has coincided with one of the town’s remaining mines ceasing operations.

The mining trolley statue, which was restored to its former glory by members of the Brunel Shed, was unveiled by High Sheriff Lady Penny Marland outside the Springfield Campus on Friday.

Dozens of people gathered to watch the unveiling, which was the result of months of hard work by the Men’s Shed members and donations from mining firms Hansons Bath and Portland Stone.

Councillor Phillip Whalley said: “We didn’t get to this point without a lot of initiative, hard work, skill, organisation and old-fashioned gumption and that has been provided in bucket loads by the amazing Brunel Shedders, who over the past two years have taken up the challenge of turning a pipe dream into a reality.

“This humble trolley and its block of stone should be seen not only as evidence of the vibrancy and spirit in our community but also as representation of our economic past, present and future.”

However, while the town remembers its mining history through art, workers at Monks Park Mine in Gastard, which was recently mothballed by its owners, say have been left waiting for their wages.

Callum McKinlay, of Drynham Road, Trowbridge, who has worked there for the last four years, said: “We were told it was being put into liquidation - something the group denied last week.

“So now There’s about 20 of us from Monks Park and Keynsham that are all out of work. I think it was a rubbish way to do it, if I’m honest. We all knew it wasn’t doing very well but didn’t think it would close.

“We are due seven days’ pay of over £1,000 too and have been told we won’t get anything until the end of March.”

A spokesman from Johnston Quarry Group did not respond to a request for comment.