Completion of the transformation of over 90ha of contaminated land at the former Fryston Wheldale Colliery into country open space has been marked with the unveiling of a sculpture.
Seven years of planning and three years reclamation work by Wakefield City Council, Yorkshire Forward and the Homes & Communities Agency has planted 40,000 trees and created 8km of footpaths as well as a water sports facility.
"This project, funded as part of the Homes and Communities Agency's National Coalfields Programme, has transformed over 90ha of contaminated land into this fantastic community asset, and resulted in major improvements for the village," said HCA area manager Richard Panter.
The main site works were carried out by Birse Civils with the Castleford Heritage Trust facilitating the community engagement.
"Considerable improvements can now be seen to the surrounding countryside," said Council deputy leader Denise Jeffrey.
"Positive changes have also been made in the village, including upgrading and adopting the highways, constructing a new gas supply, and extension of the children's play park."
