A GROUP of people gathered at the former Northern United colliery near Cinderford to make their feelings known about pulling the historic buildings down.

Among the group were conservationists, wildlife campaigners including bat experts and commoners, along with people like Rose-Marie Camp from Ruardean Hill and Shirley Horsman from Brierley, who have historical connections to the mine.

Rose-Marie said her brother had worked at the mine and she believed the buildings had to stand.

"I know for a fact many people died in the mine and there will soon be nothing to remember them," she said.

"I think the old buildings could be some sort of museum to mining which would draw people in to the area. I would dearly like to see the area developed into an attraction along with the horse carriage rides to Drybrook Quarry which were talked about a few years ago."

And Shirley added: "We are gradually losing all our historic buildings. Once they are gone, they are gone."