TWO huge gas holders which have towered over Bourne Valley for decades have finally been dismantled.

Neighbours, whose homes have stood in the shadows of the giant structures, watched one of them coming down yesterday. (Thursday)

Another of the three holders was dismantled a fortnight ago, and one remains – but is scheduled to come down in the next couple of weeks.

Glen Bennett, who filmed the latest structure being dismantled, told the Daily Echo: "I've lived here for thirteen years and I've only ever seen one of them being used, just the once.

"There is now only one left standing to the left. I watched the one behind my house being taken down.

"Some see them as an ugly monstrosity, others as beautiful landmarks of industrial revolution.

"Anyway, either way, it marks a milestone in Poole’s history that these historical structures are no more."

The holders are owned by Southern Gas Networks (SGN).

Earlier this year SGN confirmed they were scheduled to be taken down as part of a national programme.

While SGN say they are unaware of any future plans for the site, a scheme to build a 60-bed care home and business units has emerged as part of the Poole Local Plan.

However, to date, no official plans have been submitted to BCP Council.

The site – most of which lies within 400 metres of heathland, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest – is due to be redeveloped.

Much of it will be turned into employment land, as planning restrictions surrounding protected heathland will not allow for standard housing to be built.

Mr Bennett said: "I've got mixed feelings myself. For the last ten years we've had buzzards and sparrowhawks nesting in them, it's been nicer to watch them.

"They became part of the landscape. We have some concerns now about what could be built there, we are in the dark about what is going to happen to the land.

"There are mixed feelings, there was one lady who was in tears. This is where she has grown up and she's been looking at them for the best part of 65 years.

"For myself, I guess it is nice to see more light coming in.

"From a purely financial perspective, house prices have probably gone up."

On March 27, 1941, the staff canteen at the Bourne Valley Gas Works was hit by a German bomber and 33 gas workers were killed in the tragedy.

It is believed the bombers were targeting the railway viaducts.

Bronze plaques bearing the casualty's names are installed inside St Aldhelm's Church in Branksome but ward councillor Tony Trent thinks there should be a memorial on the site of the gas holder.