A mine that lay dormant for four decades is to be reopened to help cope with a shortage of slate.
The Collyweston slate mines in Northamptonshire closed back in the 1960s.
Now though there's a shortage and Northamptonshire County Council's approved planning - to start the process again.
A slate firm specialising in heritage projects wanted to keep the traditional skills alive for years to come.
Nigel's father also worked in the mines Credit: Nigel SmithMiners will use machinery rather than hand when work starts again Credit: Spiegl Press
Over the next ten years about 2,000 tonnes of Collyweston slate will come out of the mines. That equates to about 200 tonnes every year where it wil then be placed top of listed building across our region.
Collyweston parish council objected to the reopening of the mine - with concerns about more traffic and dust, but the County Council aproved the decision this week.
