TEESWORKS has confirmed that demolition work will take place this weekend, after the listed status for the Dorman Long Tower was appealed.

The Dorman Long Tower in South Bank, Redcar along with the Gibbon Wilputte Coal bunker and the Gibbon Wilputte Battery Waste Gas Chimney will all be demolished this weekend.

In a statement, Teesworks said: "We would like to inform local people living close to the Teesworks site that, between 12am and 2am on Sunday, 19 September, a series of controlled explosions will be taking place at the site to demolish a number of structures.

"These explosions will last around 10 seconds, with all of the work confined to the site. We would like to reassure residents that, if they hear a loud noise coming from Teesworks at this time, this is planned and controlled activity.

Read more: Iconic Dorman Long tower to be demolished

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused however it is necessary to carry out the work during this time to ensure there is no disruption to train services on the nearby railway line, which otherwise would have had to be closed during its operational hours.

"We thank those that are affected in advance for their understanding. This is all part of our redevelopment work to make the site investor-ready so that the major projects that will bring jobs for local people can progress as smoothly and quickly as possible."

A successful bid to list the former South Bank coal tower, Dorman Long – with the hope it could become a hub to showcase the area’s cultural and industrial heritage was appealed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

The appeal was lodged on Sunday night alongside a request to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. 

Mr Houchen said this had been successful – adding that it showed how important the redevelopment of the former Redcar steelworks was to the government. 

He also claimed the listing would have cost jobs and investment at the site if the status remained.

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