'Landmark' water tower looks set to be demolished

A decades-old water tower described as both a "landmark" and an "eyesore" by a resident who has lived next to it for 33 years looks set to be razed to the ground.

The structure in Trimley St Mary, Suffolk, was built in 1934 and could hold up to 150,000 gallons (682,000 litres) of water. It was later drained and used as a telecommunications mast.

The 210ft (64m) tall steel and concrete tower has long been visible along the A14 but could eventually disappear, with East Suffolk Council being "informed of early intentions for demolition".

Norman Howlett, who worked for Anglian Water when the tower was owned by the company and has fond memories of being its neighbour, said it was time for it to go.

"It is sort of a landmark, and it has done its purpose, but it's getting old and there are bits coming off of it and falling into people's gardens," the 84-year-old said.

"If nothing's done about it then someone is going to get hurt and there is going to be an accident, so I personally think it should come down now.

"All it is is a lump of concrete up there doing nothing. It is absolutely redundant now and it is just an eyesore."

While Howlett may no longer have much love for the tower, he does look back fondly at how it has been a constant throughout his life and the source of many memories.

For his late wife's 50th birthday, for example, he draped a banner at the top of the tower.

"I had permission from the higher ups on the water board to do it, but it didn't go down very well with her, bless her," he said.

"And when I used to take my children out, we'd drive back and they would say they could see the tower and say, 'We're nearly home, Dad.'"

The BBC understands the decision to demolish the tower, owned by Propland Estates, has been made due to the extent of the remedial works needed.

An East Suffolk Council spokesperson said: "We have been informed of early intentions for demolition.

"We will be working with the owner on planning and building control requirements, including demolition methods, to best protect the amenity and safety of surrounding properties."

The BBC has attempted to contact Propland Estates for comment.

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