THE final phase of the demolition of Louth's redundant Malt Kiln has got underway.
GBM Demolition, which is based in the town, has now started the last phase of the work to flatten the 150ft eyesore to pave the way for a new Aldi supermarket.
Demolition of the main part of the kiln is due to take between two or three weeks – and you can see amazing footage of it now at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
Newbridge Hill will be closed to traffic for around six weeks for the work to be carried out safely.
A diversion is along Ramsgate and Victoria Road and Keddington Road for northbound traffic.
The Louth malt kiln was the first of its kind in Europe and was built of reinforced concrete to an American design.
It processed 50,000 tonnes of barley per year, with much of the malt exported through Immingham.
It employed 65 people and production ended in 1998.
A spokeswoman for Aldi said the firm is working closely with East Lindsey District Council to make sure any disruption to the road network is minimised due to the proximity of Newbridge Hill.
The new store and car park will be a total of 1,571sq metres.
Aldi propose taking on between 35 and 40 new staff.
It is expected to be open later next year.
One of the owners of GBM, Simon Grantham, said: "It is like making memories."
He added: "Everyone has been more than supportive and helpful with the road closures."
Louth Malt Kiln Demolition 05 Jan 15 from Kurnia Aerial Photography on Vimeo.
The businessman said the demolition of the malt kiln will have an impact on house prices by adding value to properties on Newbridge Hill.
Mr Grantham said: "We heard one resident has had to buy curtains, as nobody was overlooking the property before."
He told how 100 per cent of the materials from the site will be recycled, with the concrete used as hardcore for roads and the metal sent to India for recycling for steel.
Proud mum, Lynn Bonnett, 53, took photos of her son Daniel Chapman, 31, operating the "claw" tearing down the 150ft kiln.
She said: "It is fantastic. I hope everything goes smoothly.
"We used to live down Leakes Row which had lodgings for the men that built it in the Fifties."
Louth resident, Ray Storr said: "We have been hating this gruesome landmark for 30 years. We can't wait for it to go."
Malcolm Smith, 72, of Louth said: "It is a shame to see it go. It has been a landmark for all that time."
You can see incredible footage of the demolition – from above, thanks to a drone – on our website now.
Look out for more about the drone, coming soon in your Grimsby Telegraph.
ON THE WEB: Check out a video of the demolition by logging on to www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk
