Landmark tower is demolished

Pembroke Power Station's chimney being blown up

One of the most prominent landmarks on the Welsh coast has been demolished in a massive explosion.

The 731ft high chimney at the now disused Pembroke Power Station was blown up at 0900 GMT on Saturday by a team of demolition experts from Australia.

The power station's life came to an end in 1997 when the owners, National Power, finally abandoned plans to burn the controversial fuel Orimulsion at the plant.

Environmentalists claimed the oil-based fuel from South America had been linked to serious health problems.

National Power decided to demolish plant in 1998 after a study found it was no longer economically viable.

Steel recycled

The 500-acre site has been earmarked for redevelopment.

The power station entered service in 1973 and at one time employed 300 workers - but it was eventually mothballed in 1996.

All the steel sections from the chimney will be shipped to Spain to be recycled for cars and bicycles.

The demolition work will be supervised by the Health and Safety Executive.

Dyfed-Powys Police said members of the public were welcome to watch from a safe distance.