Gresford colliery closed in the 1970s, Bersham in the 1980s and Point of Ayr in the 1990s.

Spoil heaps were levelled, some being built over, others succumbing to landfill and being landscaped as country parks, some of these are designated memorials.

Colliery buildings were demolished, the more recent ones made over to industrial estates and a few of the older or more remarkable being listed for preservation. Bersham colliery headgear is a designated grade 2 Structural Ancient Monument.

Signs of North East Wales's major industrial heritage were almost obliterated - it had taken many years for the Gresford memorial to be erected and dedicated in 1982.