Altofts
| Altofts | |
|---|---|
 Altofts Library |
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 Altofts
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| Altofts shown within West Yorkshire | |
| Population | 6,198 (2001 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SE385225 |
| Metropolitan borough | |
| Metropolitan county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Postcode district | WF6 |
| Dialling code | 01924 |
| Police | West Yorkshire |
| Fire | West Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
Altofts is a village in West Yorkshire, England. It lies 5 miles (8.0 km) north-east from the centre of Wakefield and less than 1 mile (1.6 km) north-west of Normanton. The village is shown at the 2011 Census as being in the Normanton ward of Wakefield City Council. The M62 runs close to the village to the north-east, and the Aire and Calder Navigation to the north-west.
Many people in the village previously worked in the local coal mines. The largest mine in the village, The West Riding Colliery, was owned by Pope and Pearsons. It was here that the first British coaldust experiments took place during 1908 and 1909, conducted by W. E. Garforth, manager of the colliery and president of the Mining Association of Great Britain. In the early 20th century Garforth's improvement to worker safety helped to develop underground safety and rescue procedures that are today common worldwide. Today people are either employed in neighbouring towns and cities, or on the Wakefield Europort's 'Tuscany Park' industrial estate which has been developed over recent decades.
Altofts' brickworks, Normanton Brick Co Ltd, moved to its present Greenfield Road site from Wakefield Road in the late 1990s. It ran under Thomas Kirk's great grandsons until it stopped production in 2011.
The village has four pubs, The Poplar, Miners Arms, The Horse and Jockey and the Robin Hood. The Horse and Jockey is the oldest pub in the village.
The Robin Hood serves at least 4 cask ales and is Wakefield Campaign for Real Ales Autumn Pub of the Season 2015. A microbrewery at the back of the Robin Hood called Tarn51 Brewing Co produces beers to serve in the pub and to the local pubs.
There are two Working Men's Clubs one of which has been converted into a community centre called The Brig. This is now home to a registered charity called Altofts Community & Sports Foundation Ltd. The Brig is home to many community groups including Normanton Lions, Altofts Juniors FC, Altofts Cycling Club, Readers group and Storytime. The Altofts Book Swap is also based at The Brig. There is also a licensed bar and cafe.
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Wikipedia