How green is our valley?

Coke and coal had been part of everyday life in Brampton Bierlow for decades, with residents using it to heat their homes.

And until the infamous miners’ strike of 1984, many of the village’s men worked at neighbouring Cortonwood Colliery just down the road.

Even after the demise of the pit most homes were heated by coal or coke, staying loyal to the traditional fuel that had powered their homes and lives.

But times change - and residents have followed the environmentally friendly trail to a greener life. It is a change that has directly resulted in the air quality improving dramatically.

A spokesman for Rotherham Council said: “Air quality has improved significantly and is a primary result of a significant number of domestic properties being fitted with gas heating systems in place of solid fuel.

“Brampton contains a significant number of council homes and many had solid fuel boilers. Many of these have been removed and replaced with modern units.”