Longdyke/ Grange connection.
No connection between the two as there was a fault to the South of Longdyke which limited their scope in that direction. I have documents, obtained from the records office, to say that by1920 the workings were 2.5 miles downhill from the shaft. This meant it needed too many personnel to handle the coal from the face to the shaft, 360 hands were employed of which only 112 were hewers.
At that time the colliery was 40 years old and reserves were limited that is why the Grange pit came into existance.
I worked at both Hauxley and Shilbottle collieries between 1958 and 1972 and have researched both therefore have considerable knowledge in this direction.
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