Local hero takes on neglected Upton pit wheel

The Upton Pit Wheel, a relic of the once-thriving mining industry, has been left to decay for years by the Wakefield Council. However, one local resident, Peter Atherton, has taken it upon himself to restore and preserve this significant piece of history.

Peter Atherton, a dedicated resident of Upton, stumbled upon the neglected Pit Wheel by chance. While litter-picking around Upton Country Park, he noticed a flash of red amidst the tree line. His curiosity got the better of him, and he went to investigate. That’s when he discovered the Upton Pit Wheel, covered in years of grime and neglect. Surrounded by broken glass, litter, overgrown brambles, and what looked like melted plastic, this discovery, on the 30th of August, 2024, sparked his mission to restore the Pit Wheel to its former glory.

"The Upton Pit Wheel is not just a piece of metal; it's a symbol of our community's resilience and hard work," Peter Atherton explained. "My grandfather worked in the mines, and I feel a personal connection to this piece of our history. Seeing it neglected broke my heart, so I decided to do something about it."

Since that fateful day, Peter Atherton has worked tirelessly on his own to clean and restore the wheel. Every weekend and holiday, he spends countless hours removing debris, scrubbing away grime, and meticulously tending to the area surrounding the wheel. Despite facing numerous challenges, including funding and bureaucratic hurdles with the council, he has remained steadfast in his efforts. Peter Atherton's dedication has not gone unnoticed, with fellow Upton residents supporting him by donating tools and plants for him to use in his restoration work.

Peter Atherton recalls the early days of the project, "The first time I started cleaning, I was overwhelmed by the amount of work needed. But each time I saw a bit of progress, it motivated me to keep going. It's a labor of love."

The community's response to Peter Atherton's work has been overwhelmingly positive. Neighbors often stop by to offer words of encouragement or lend a helping hand, even if just for a few hours. "It's heartwarming to see people come together for a common cause. It's not just about the wheel; it's about fostering a sense of pride and connection to our shared history," Peter Atherton said.

He hopes that the Wakefield Council will eventually recognize the significance of the Pit Wheel and provide the necessary support for its upkeep. In the meantime, he continues to preserve it, aiming to transform it into an educational site for future generations to learn about the region's mining heritage. "I envision school groups visiting and learning about the history of mining in our area. It's important to remember where we came from and honor the hard work of those who came before us."

Peter Atherton also hopes that his efforts will inspire others to take on similar community projects. "Start small and be persistent," he advised. "Gather support from your community and don't be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, stay passionate about your cause. That passion is what keeps you going, even when the going gets tough."

His selfless dedication to the Upton Pit Wheel has shown the incredible strength and generosity of the Upton community. Together, they are not just preserving a piece of history; they are building a legacy. Peter Atherton believes that the project has helped to bring the community closer together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

If you would like to follow his journey, you can do so via his Facebook page "Upton Colliery Pit Wheel Restoration Project." There, Peter Atherton regularly posts updates on the progress of the restoration and engages with supporters who share his passion for preserving the past.