Lottery stories

It's 70 years since the last coal was extracted, but Stepaside Ironworks in Pembrokeshire hasn't fallen onto hard times like many of the pits and industrial sites in the valleys. The nationally important site - home to one of the most complete groups of ironworks structures in the UK - has evolved into a heritage park housing two monuments and a range of Grade II listed buildings. Now more than £500,000 is to be spent restoring the 28-acre site and consolidating its buildings to transform the site into a prime visitor attraction.

A £233,500 Heritage Lottery Fund grant has been contributed to the fund, which will secure the long-term protection of the two monuments and improve public access through the provision of a new bridge. An 'interpretation trail' around the site will also be provided to remind visitors of west Wales' often-overlooked industrial past.

'Stepaside is one of the best examples of a 19th century industrial complex in West Wales,' says Brian Hall, Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member. 'It's an exciting project. The heritage park is popular with locals and visitors and we envisage that the work will further add to the enjoyment and experience of this beautiful part of Pembroke-shire.'

Stepaside was the first integrated coal and iron-making plant in Wales. Mining is believed to have begun in the area as far back as the 14th century, long before it was extracted in the South Wales valleys. When the complex closed, it was left to decay, but the council took on the site in 1996, carrying out landscaping and tree-planting programme. The Lottery money is helping to ensure the programme progresses to the next stage. 'We want to put the ancient monuments in a state for future generations to enjoy. The Lottery money was a fantastic boost - the final piece of the jigsaw for us,' says John Tuberville, the council's projects manager.