ONE lucky child will press the button to blow up the cement works chimney, as owners Tarmac last week launched a drawing competition in local schools.
Pupils from primary schools in Westbury and the surrounding villages are invited to draw or paint a picture of the White Horse and the chimney, and the winner will get the opportunity to press the big red button when the landmark is knocked down next month.
Community engagement manager Liam Cripps said, “The cement works has been part of Westbury for decades and many people have some connection to the site, either as direct employees, or family members of employees.
“We’ve all seen a demolition on television but this is an opportunity to experience the buzz and excitement here in Westbury. Not only that, but one lucky primary school child will actually have the job of pressing the button!
“I think it’s fair to say this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something that child will remember forever.”
Tarmac has hinted that the chimney will likely be demolished early in the morning on a weekend in May, but an official date has not yet been confirmed.
Jonathan Toyn, senior estates manager for Tarmac said, “Tarmac’s Westbury site has very much been part of the local community for decades. Many of our current and retired employees still live in the locality and have historic close links with Westbury’s schools.
“Whilst the demolition of the chimney will be the end of an era, we are delighted to be involving the community’s schools in a competition to draw or paint a picture of the famous Westbury White Horse and our iconic chimney. The lucky winner will be invited to press the button which will start the chimney demolition process.”
Children must return their entries to their school by Friday 29th April.
