UPDATED 22nd July 2014 The demolition of Didcot power station's cooling towers remains a nighttime activity. Despite having previously campaigned alongside Ed Vaizey MP (see here) to have the demolition moved to a more civilised time of day, RWE who own the site and their demolition contractors Coleman & Co are determined to go ahead with the planned time of 3-5am on Sunday (27th July). Inevitably, many people from across the county and even further afield will want to see the event for themselves. The demolition contractors are recommending that people stay inside and watch the blow down, which is being streamed live on the internet, from the warmth and safety of their homes. It’s clear though that many people view this as a historic occasion and intend to be there whatever the time. There are safety issues to be considered if people do intend to go to Didcot and the Vale of White Horse District Council is asking people to plan ahead to take account of road closures and the likely direction of dust clouds. A local organisation has realised their locations are likely to get a lot of visitors during the demolition, so they’re arranging for people to view it safely from organised viewing areas. Earth Trust, the charity that looks after Wittenham Clumps, anticipating a lot of people will look for a lofty, panoramic view of the power station, is opening its car park to visitors from midnight on Saturday 26/ Sunday 27 July to prevent people from parking on the narrow country lanes. A local food vendor will be selling hot food and drinks. Earth Trust is asking people using its car park to make a charitable donation. The Vale of White Horse District Council is offering this advice to residents:
- Don’t try to get close to the towers - get too close and you will probably get covered in and end up breathing in, dust and grit – keep your distance.
- it may be early in the morning but there are likely to be lots of people out on the roads – park legally and safely in proper car parks, not on the roadside
- it will be dark – take a torch and wear bright clothing
- if you are intending to travel to Didcot in a car, park in the main station car park off Foxhall Road, its free from midnight until 7.00am. If you use the car parks in front of the station you will have to pay.
- there will be road closures in place in the areas around the power station. The A4130 from Milton Interchange on the A34 right round to the northern entrance to Southmead business park will be closed from 03.00 to 06.00am, as will Milton Road between the railway and the power station site. Full details of the road closures can be found on the council's websites.
- If the two identified viewing areas have reached capacity you will have to go elsewhere. Arrive in good time and consider in advance where to go if your chosen viewing area is full
- Remember that the cooling towers can be seen from miles away – it’s not necessary to try and get close to see the action
- above all, be sensible, don’t take risks and look after your friends and family.
Cllr Matthew Barber, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is a symbolic moment for residents in the Vale and indeed across the south-east of England – we want people to enjoy the occasion, but it’s really important that they do so safely.”