IT IS UNDERSTOOD the date to bring down a landmark on the old Anglesey Aluminium site has been pushed back. 

It is believed the chimney was set to come down on March 1 on St David's Day.

But Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru, said that this is no longer the case.

He said: "Following further conversations with Stena's representatives, I can confirm that the work to bring down the chimney in Holyhead will not go ahead on March 1.

"The team responsible for the work continue to work with the emergency services to ensure the safety of the site, and representatives tell me that they’re looking for dates towards the end of March to complete the work, subject to ensuring site safety and weather conditions.

"I will continue to share more information on this situation as soon as I receive it.”

The site, owned by Swedish shipping line company Stena Line, one of the largest ferry operators, is designated as one of the specific customs and tax sites within the Freeport and represents a "prime opportunity" for new businesses looking to invest in the island. 

Preparations to remove the chimney structure started following the successful clearance of the existing buildings on the site, now renamed Prosperity Parc.

Residents will be permitted to watch the work from a safe vantage point.

A spokesperson for Anglesey Freeport said: "We are currently in the process of final consultation and approvals from the emergency services and health and safety authorities.

"As these consultations are ongoing and awaiting final approval, the exact date and time for the works has not yet been agreed, but when we have these approvals to meet the required standards it is our intention to release more information in due course which will provide local residents and interested parties a recommended vantage point to watch the works should they wish to.

"In the meantime, we are working in partnership with other bodies to ensure that the clearance is undertaken with the strictest safety precautions – helping to ensure not only the security of the site but the wellbeing of the local community.

RELATED STORIES

"The works will be conducted in line with all necessary safety precautions and may be delayed if the prevailing weather conditions at the time are not optimal.

"We would encourage all local residents and wider interested parties to sign up to our mailing list to get the most up to date information about the time and date of chimney works, as well as most favourable and safe vantage point to watch it."

The chimney stack stands at 122-metres tall and has been in place for more than 50 years.

A structural report deemed it beyond economic repair.

The former Anglesey Aluminium, which closed down over a decade ago, has stood derelict since 2013.