LOCAL councillors should seriously consider the historical and archaeological background of any sites in the Forest being suggested for redevelopment.
The call is being made by Mrs Averil Kear, chairman of the Forest of Dean Local History Society, in the wake of the plan to demolish the unique pithead baths building at Princess Royal Colliery, Bream.
Mrs Kear fears it is now too late to save the building from the bulldozers – and says it is another example of the loss of landmark buildings which has taken place over the last 40 years.
The History Society has no objection to the redevelopment of the main building but believes the pithead baths should be retained and possibly used as a crafts workshop with retail outlets. The building could have been sympathetically converted without the loss of its historic context.
"This is the last building of its type in the Forest of Dean and portrays a very important part of 20th century mining history," said Mrs Kear.
She added: "Many people who now choose to live in the Forest of Dean discover the fascinating industrial past whilst exploring the natural beauty, freedom to roam and quietness of an unchanging Forest. When they do become aware of the rich mining history of the area most people wish to retain the last remnants of the industrial buildings reflecting this period in the life of a working Forest."
Calling for greater consultation in the future, Mrs Kear said that everyone involved should work to make sure those buildings that still survived should do so for years to come.