Factory demolition will be 'spectacular' (From Warrington Guardian)

Factory demolition will be 'spectacular'

THE face of Fairfield is due to change dramatically this year as the demolition of the area's industrial relics enters its next phase.

This month demolition will begin on another part of the former Tinsley Wireworks site, at Dalton Bank, to make way for a major housing development.

Developer Bellway Homes will use specialised excavation equipment to dismantle the massive rear factory, on Battersby Lane.

Peter Hardman, demolition director, told the Guardian: "It will be quite spectacular. It is a massive building right on the main road and we will be using a high-reach machine excavator to bring it down."

However the destruction of the former Boteler Grammar School, which dates back to 1562, has been delayed due to problems with the electrical system in the building.

Mr Hardman said: "There might have to be quite a bit of diversionary work. I would think it should be March or April time, but it could get knocked back further."

As reported in the Guardian last September, the proposals to destroy the old school caused a lot of controversy, with objections coming from Warrington Civic Society.

Bellway Homes plans to construct nearly 200 new homes - including two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom detached homes - on the 3.8-hectare site.

Works, involving construction of roads, sewers and foundations, will start this month.

Meanwhile, the former home of Thomas Locker Engineering, on Church Street, is to be developed by Countryside Properties, for both housing and commercial units.

The firm is also planning on moving its own offices to the site.