Public urged not to attend Didcot cooling tower demolition

Residents are being urged not to attend the demolition of the iconic towers at Didcot A Power Station, as a large amount of dust and debris is expected, prompting warnings from demolition firm Coleman and Company that spectators could find themselves surrounded by thick clouds of dust.
Explosives will be among the methods used to demolish the landmark – which can be seen for several miles across Oxfordshire – between 3am and 5am on Sunday, along with hand-held power tools and high-reach and ultra-high reach machinery will also be used.
The Health and Safety Executive, Network Rail, Thames Valley Police, the Highways Agency and Oxfordshire County Council Highways Authority have all been involved in planning the safe demolition, and advised the early time to minimise public presence.
However, First Great Western is offering free parking between midnight and 7am at its Foxhall Road car park in Didcot to anyone who intends to venture out for the viewing in a bid to keep cars and pedestrians from stopping on nearby roads.
The Earth Trust Centre will also be providing parking for a recommended £5 per car, and will be selling hot food. It is asking anyone who plans to attend to advise them beforehand to ensure they have adequate provisions.
It is asking motorists not to park on the approaching narrow lanes and to head straight to the centre.
The coal-fired power station was closed in March 2013 following 43 years of service. The demolition of Didcot A Power Station will not be fully completed until 2016.
Those interested in viewing the demolition from the comfort of their own homes can see it
streamed live online at www.ustream .tv/channel/cole man-co