A photographer who lives opposite Reading’s iconic gas tower has expressed her "heartbreak" as the first of its girders were removed yesterday (Tuesday).

Construction crews are using cranes to dismantle Gas Tower Number 4 before 130 flats are built in its place.

Neighbour Leslee Barron said she felt she had to capture its destruction.

"I had accepted that it was going to happen but I just dreaded seeing it actually cut into.

"I couldn’t help myself, I had to head down there with my camera and document its demise.

Reading Chronicle: Picture taken by Leslee BarronPicture taken by Leslee Barron

"Our skyline is going to be so different with the loss of this landmark. I’m sure its absence will be felt by many."

Developer Danescroft received approval from Reading Borough Council to deconstruct the tower in January 2021, but works were delayed after residents, including Leslee, raised concerns for birds nesting in the area.

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Dismantling Gas Tower Number 4 resumed in September, when works to remove the build-up of water and debris inside the tank began.

Reading Chronicle: Picture taken by Mary ChambersPicture taken by Mary Chambers

 

Heavy machinery is now being used to take apart the struction.

Reading Chronicle: Picture taken by Leslee BarronPicture taken by Leslee Barron

There will be noise and vibration, which Southern Gas Networks says will be kept to a minimum, while the works are projected to finish in March 2022.

Reading Chronicle: Picture taken by Mary ChambersPicture taken by Mary Chambers