Spy towers bite the dust

The fall of communism spelled the end for the spy towers

Two radio towers left over from the Cold War have been felled once and for all.

A second attempt to blow up the 600 ft masts proved successful.

The structures at the former British intelligence radio station at Criggion, ten miles from Welshpool, mid Wales, were due to be demolished last weekend.

But the explosive action was only partially successful because people coming to watch the blast stood too close to the site.

Contractors Alan Campbell Group had considered toppling the remaining two towers over the bank holiday weekend but then decided to carry it out on Wednesday.

Spy station's heyday

BT decided to demolish all the masts - which were used to eavesdrop on Soviet radio signals - after a Government contract to use the station ended in March.

Alan Campbell Group spokesman Andy Campbell said he was delighted the operation had finally proved successful.

"Although the operation took a few days longer than originally planned the two remaining towers were brought down successfully on Wednesday," he added.

Criggion was built during World War II and its heyday was in the 1960s but after the fall of communism in the 1990s the station became surplus to requirements.

Three masts were demolished two weeks ago and another tower toppled the following Tuesday.