The Snibston Heritage Trust says it is 'appalled and saddened' by the recent vandalism at the historic Snibston Colliery.

In a statement, the Trust adds that the damage caused to the site is seen as 'an attack on the memory of the miners who worked at the colliery and on the town's heritage'.

The colliery is only one of a handful of complete colliery building complex in the country and has been awarded schedule ancient monument and listed building status.

Snibston Heritage Trust's statement added: "But this appears not to deter local vandals from breaking windows along Ashby Road making the buildings look derelict and affecting the environmental appearance and visitor appreciation of the town.

"The Colliery and site are owned by Leicestershire County Council and, in association with the Snibston Heritage Trust, has opened the pit top buildings for public tours."

The Trust had announced a programme of colliery tours for 2023 in April - with the introduction of new characters to give a further insight into what life was like for a Coalville miner.

The statement added: "The tours are given by volunteers of the Trust who have expressed anger at the vandalism and see it as an attack on the memory of the miners who worked at the colliery and on the town's heritage."

Damage was caused to the Oil Lamp Room

The Trust adds that the County Council is also frustrated with the vandalism as it is incurring unnecessary cost on its already tight budgets.

Stuart Warburton, Secretary to the Snibston Heritage Trust said: "Everyone involved with Snibston Colliery and the Country Park are furious at these recent attacks on the windows.

"The windows to the Lamp Room, Oil Lamp Room and Telephone Exchange have not been broken by the 'casual' throwing of stones but a determined attacks on the windows, which are reinforced with wire.

"But the perpetrators have gone at them with such a force as to break the glass and wire.

"They have even prised bricks from the frontage stairway walls to use as weapons.

"The County Council has put much time and money into the historic pit buildings, and the Trust volunteers give their time and efforts to maintaining the colliery buildings and opening them to the public for colliery tours.

"What message is being conveyed by this vandalism to the people who come on these tours, often from outside Coalville.

"We explain it is a small minority of mindless vandals but the damage to the town's appearance and reputation has been done.

"Both the County Council and Trust have reported these attacks to the Leicestershire Police who have reassured all concerned that they will increase their profile through patrols, both on foot and by car.

"If anyone witnesses these acts of vandalism taking place or the congregation of people outside the buildings on Ashby Road we would be grateful if they would ring Leicestershire Police on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, all calls are treated anonymously or email [email protected].

"The vandals will not deter the Trust or County Council from their dedicated work to promote the mining heritage or Coalville.

"We stand resolute against the vandals."

Leicestershire County Council, which also owns and manages the site, issued a comment today (Wednesday).

Cllr Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources, said: "We're aware of two incidents where windows were damaged.

"It's regrettable as the cost of repairing the damage caused by vandalism does take money away from being invested in improving the site for residents of Leicestershire.

"We continue to work closely with colleagues at Leicestershire Police to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism in and around the colliery park and we've reviewed the security arrangements."