Big bang: David Harrison pushes the plunger.

Back down to earth

Now the dust has settled following the demolition of another tower block on the Orchard Park Estate, a massive clean-up operation is under way.

Hundreds watched the spectacle as the 22-storey Vernon House was reduced to a 15,000 tonne pile of rubble by a controlled explosion at the end of June. Thirty kilos of explosives and 1,200 non-electric detonating charges were used to blow down the reinforced concrete tower, built in 1967 and empty for the last two years.

Ten-year-old David Harrison, a pupil at Thorpe Park primary school did the honours by pushing the plunger. He was chosen by his head teacher as a reward for achieving an attendance record of 100 per cent in the last three years.

The block was razed to the ground in just four seconds by experts Controlled Demolition Group and Operation Clean-up swung immediately into action. It was expected to take up to two months to remove debris from within the immediate site perimeter and also to spring clean dust from houses and streets inside the exclusion zone. Residents were evacuated from this zone for five hours on demolition day.

The area is now due to be landscaped to make an attractive space in keeping with the surrounding area.

This latest step in the City Council's regeneration programme follows the demolition two years ago of three other tower blocks on the estate, Drake House and Milldane 1 and 3. Vernon House had become increasingly unpopular with residents and while empty had become a magnet for vandals.

Coun. Steven Bayes, portfolio holder for housing, said: "Following extensive consultation with residents, four blocks of flats were agreed for demolition, leaving four blocks for those who enjoy high-rise living."