New view of Ironbridge Power Station
It is an icon of the Shropshire landscape, regularly snapped by photographers.
But a dog walker has captured a different view of the Ironbridge Power Station, after the clearing of trees close to Benthall Edge.
Vaughan Evans, of Broseley, captured the power station from behind while out walking with friends, and his dog Charlie.
He said: "Earlier this week a swathe of trees and shrubs have been cleared directly beneath the pylons and power lines behind the power station, the clearance going up and over Benthall Edge, revealing a view from the Benthall Edge wood land footpath of the site that has probably not been viewed so clearly for perhaps a couple or generations or more.
"It was still very obscured in wintertime with no leaves on the trees.
"I am never happy when any woodland is attacked with chainsaws, but do realise this type of clearance is required when trees beneath grow to heights that risk coming into contact with the lines.
"The plus side is obviously now the unobscured view from this high vantage point of the sad but forthcoming demolition of the power station."
The plant was officially switched off on November 20 2015, after 46 years of service, following an EU directive.
Under the EU, ageing plants like Ironbridge were legally limited in the emissions they can produce and its operating hours were restricted in 2008.
The EU’s Large Combustion Plant Directive said the station had to end its life after passing the milestone of generating power for a total of 20,000 hours since January 1, 2008,
So far, there has been mixed reactions to the potential loss of its iconic pink cooling towers, with many saying they would miss such an iconic feature of the Ironbridge Gorge.
Councillors and groups from both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are hoping to work with Uniper on the future of the site, which is one of the most important in both council areas.
Owners Uniper are set to demolish a small section of the site this autumn, with the full site including the cooling towers to be cleared at the start of next year.
Conveyors 6 and 7 and the accompanying conveyor tower need to be brought down because they are deteriorating structurally, and will help make way for the future demolition.
