| |
Grassmoor is a former coalfield community situated 2 miles south
east of Chesterfield, Derbyshire with a population of
approximately 3560. Whilst Grassmoor is mentioned in the
Doomsday Book, there is little else worthy of historic note. The
present village of Grassmoor owes it's existence to the seams of
coal upon which it stands. The early extraction of coal from
these seams was restricted to those which lay close to the
surface.
Following the industrial revolution, which stimulated the demand
for coal, deeper mine workings were sunk in Grassmoor in the mid
19th Century by the Barnes family. Coal mining would dominate
the lives of the majority of inhabitants of Grassmoor until the
recent demise of the industry. Grassmoor Colliery closed in 1971
and other local pits had all closed by the mid 1980's.
The Avenue Coking Plant provided a major source of local
employment until it's closure in 1993. However, the closure left
an unwanted legacy as the site is the most contaminated of it's
type in the Country. The Parish Council and organisations such
as the Parishes Opposed to Opencasting Liaison Group have fought
a long running campaign to oppose the clearing of the site by
means of opencast workings. Grassmoor Community Centre has been
the base for much of the campaign work and indeed the East
Midlands Development Committee Plant Liaison Group continue to
meet there to consult with the local community.
Grassmoor is now a predominantly residential village with no
major employer. North Wingfield Road is the long main road
through the village, off which side roads lead to the majority
of the housing stock which is mainly terraced properties and
Council housing, although in the 1980's a new estate was built
which included larger detached properties.
Grassmoor is relatively well served by public bus transport with
buses running to Chesterfield every weekday.
The village has a limited selection of shops including a post
office, which cater for every day needs. There are three public
houses and a Working Mens Club. There is no supermarket or bank
facility. Shopping for other than everyday items generally
requires travelling to Chesterfield or other nearby towns such
as Clay Cross or Mansfield.
Grassmoor has it's own Primary School which teaches pupils
between the ages of three and eleven. Secondary education is
provided outside of Grassmoor at schools in neighbouring
Hasland, Tupton and North Wingfield. Grassmoor has no library
although the Mobile Library visits weekly. |
|