Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd are currently working on a major conservation project on one of the most familiar features of the Cornish skyline.

Scaffolding is being erected on the headgear at South Crofty Mine, near Camborne, Cornwall as part of the refurbishment of the landmark. South Crofty’s symbolic headgear, which ended its productive life when the mine ceased production in 1998, is being surveyed, repaired, shot-blasted and painted.

Using the Plettac scaffolding System, the scaffolders from Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd erecting the structure have already used 8,000 scaffold boards, 20,000 fittings and 3,300 scaffolding tubes and is still not complete.

Project manager Mark Hughes told a local newspaper: “The operation was being led by Cornwall Council, with the preparatory work carried out by Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd of Penzance.

“It’s a major undertaking,” said Mr Hughes. “That’s an awful lot of scaffold tube and boards. I don’t envy the men up there today because it’s very exposed and there is a very cold wind coming straight off the Atlantic.

“The whole thing had to be erected independently of the frame, which made it even trickier. The plan is to replace any sections that are too corroded to repair and then shot blast and paint it. It’s going to look really impressive when it’s done.”

Cormac Contracting and specialist sub-contractors expect to complete the project by July. Stephen Rushworth, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for economy and regeneration, said: “I look forward to joining the local community to celebrate the successful completion in the summer.”