IT will take 216 charges packed with nitroglycerine to bring an era to an end next Sunday when Westbury’s cement works chimney is blasted out of existence.

After the detonator is pressed at 7am on September 18 the explosive material will be set off to bring the 122-metre high landmark, which has dominated Westbury’s skyline since 1961, crashing to the ground.

Cuddy Group, which has more than 40 years’ experience in managing site demolitions, is in charge of overseeing the blast on the day and have sub-contracted InDex and SES (Specialist Explosive Services), who between them have vast expertise in drilling and blasting high structures.

But it will be nine-year-old Lily Sargent, of All Saints Crescent, Westbury, in charge of pressing the all-important big red button after winning a drawing competition organised by Tarmac in May.

Mum Emma said: “Lily’s younger brother, Jacob, keeps referring to the chimney as ‘Lily’s chimney’ every time we drive past it.

“We haven’t been able go anywhere without people talking about it – Lily is like a local celebrity. We’re all really excited.”

Once Lily, a pupil at Westbury Junior School, has pressed the button on top of the White Horse, the chimney will break at its midpoint halfway through the fall while the bricks in the top half of the chimney continue to crumble.

The rubble from the blast, all 2,100 tonnes of it, will be kept on site and used as backfill to fill holes formed during the deconstruction of the cement works.

Despite the vast amount of debris, it is expected to be contained within a small area and the size of the smoke cloud is also expected be minor.

Jonathan Toyn, senior estates manager at Tarmac, the company which owns the site, said: “This event really will mark the end of an era.

“The cement works have been in Westbury for over 50 years and lots of people see the chimney as an iconic landmark in the local landscape.

“We need to make sure we commemorate such an occasion properly and we have done that by preparing thoroughly and professionally, working closely with our contractors, to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable event.”

Wiltshire Police will have a presence on the day to support the safe running of the demolition, working mainly around the safe access areas and road closures.

Deputy Inspector Louis McCoy, who will be there with a small team of officers, said: “This is a one-off event and we are sure it will attract a lot of attention.

​“I would encourage all those attending to ensure that they arrive at the viewing site with plenty of time to spare and please ensure that you follow all the relevant road traffic signs and regulations.

“We are looking forward to this event as it is not something you get to see every day and are pleased to be able to support our local community.”

Network Rail will carry out an inspection of the nearby railway track after the blast to ensure that trains are safe to run when are services are due to commence around 9am.

A spokesman said: “The preparation work for the controlled explosion has been ongoing for months and Network Rail have been aware of the plans throughout.

“We urge those wishing to view the controlled explosion to do so from a safe distance and to not trespass onto Network Rail property as it is extremely dangerous.”
 

Where to watch the blast

With potentially hundreds of people descending on the White Horse to watch the blast, organisers are advising that people arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The blast will take place at 7am and it is suggested that onlookers arrive before 6.45am to leave time to park and find a good spot on the White Horse.

To cope with the expected heavy traffic, a one-way restriction will apply to Newtown /Long River Road westbound from its junction with B3098 Bratton Road for its entire length and Portway/ Castle Road, Bratton westbound only from Wicklands Down Car Park to its junction with B3098 Westbury Road.

Restrictions will be indicated by traffic signs and it is expected to last between 5am and 8.30am.

Westbury Lions and police will be working with each other to assist with marshalling and parking.

Chimney fact file

Height: 122 metres
Width at base: 9.2 metres
Thickness of walls: 350 mm
Year built: 1961
First started operating: September 1962
Usage: Built for three kilns but only two installed