THE country's most controversial Prime Minister has died.
Margaret Thatcher passed away following a stroke yesterday morning – and her death has reopened old divisions in Nottinghamshire.
The 87-year-old was the only woman to have been Prime Minister and her political decisions divided opinions, families and friends during her time in office from 1979 to 1990.
The 1984-85 miners' strike was the most controversial time during Thatcher's 11 years in power. At the time the National Coal Board wanted to close a large number of the country's pits because they were proving to be uneconomical.
Notts general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, Alan Spencer, said the union is "not sad to see her go".
"She decimated the mining industry in Nottinghamshire and across the country."
Retired miner Eric Walker, 87, of Moor Road, Strelley, said: "She destroyed the industry. Many friends had the choice of going on strike or losing redundancy. We were talking about a lot of money."
At its height, there had been 40,000 miners working in Notts. Now only Thoresby Colliery in Edwinstowe remains.
Despite the huge blow to what was once one of the county's largest industries, some people believe that Margaret Thatcher had made the right decision.
Nottinghamshire County Council leader councillor Kay Cutts said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher. I was lucky enough to have met her several times.
"The last time was about 20 years ago at Belvoir Castle. She was extraordinary and magnetic and was really interested in what you had to say. She was an iconic world figure and changed this country for the better."
