FOR decades 200ft chimneys have dominated the skyline between Watnall and Hucknall.

But with a press of a button from a 10-year-old boy, the last remnants of the old Watnall brickyard vanished from view forever.

The four century-old chimneys – which could be seen clearly from the nearby M1 – were demolished because they were dangerous.

In recent years, the former colliery site off Watnall Lane has been plagued by vandalism. Officials feared the chimneys were in danger of collapse after bricks from them were stolen. A bridleway in the area had to be closed two weeks ago for safety reasons.

The demolition was carried out at 7pm on Wednesday by Bloom Demolition and Excavation, of East Markham, near Newark.

A "rolling roadblock" was employed on the M1 to ensure there was no traffic near the site in either direction during the blast.

The ceremonial push of the button was performed by 10-year-old Daniel Seeds, grandson of one the demolition workers, and a pupil of Ollerton Primary School.

Safety officer Joe Childs said: "It has taken a lot of organisation but it is nice when it comes together. It was perfect from my point of view."

The chimneys are all that remains of old brickworks, which used spoil from the attached colliery to make the bricks. Watnall Colliery was sunk in 1873 and closed in 1950; the brickworks itself ceased operations later.

David Russell, representing the landowner, an Australian in his 80s who does not want publicity, said: "We have been working very hard to keep people out. A lot of dog walkers feel like they have the right to roam.

"We spend time up here every week repairing fences."

The plot is earmarked for development but has not yet attracted a buyer. No planning applications have been submitted.

The demolition company did not publicise the event to stop members of the public putting themselves at risk.

But Julian Prendergast, who gathered with Derek Wilkinson, Stephen Clarke, of Hucknall and Watnall, to watch the explosion: claimed: "They have kept it quiet because there would have been a protest."

robert.parsons@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk