THE "iconic" 75-metre steel chimney at the former British Sugar Beet factory in Kidderminster has been pulled down.

Billy Young, contracts manager at Birmingham-based decommissioning company, DSM, said the first phase of work at the site should be finished by the second week of March.

He added the landmark silos would be flattened in the next stage of works but the date had still not been set by his clients.

Mr Young said: "This is a bread and butter job, other than the fact that we are dealing with an iconic landmark for the people of Kidderminster."

He added: "It was a redundant factory and I think that although it has remained a landmark residents will be pleased to see these structures go."

Peter Burford, spokesman for offshore company, Cilldara Property Partners - owners of 60 acres of the site - said he was happy with the progress being made.

He explained that demolition of the silos would require a different method, probably involving explosives.

He said they were keen to get the structures demolished and the site cleared of all scrap and rubble so it was ready for any potential inquiries from buyers and interested parties.

He added he had been in discussion with Wyre Forest District Council for more than a year with the intention of preparing a planning application for future development.

Conservative councillor, Stephen Clee, the council's cabinet member for planning, regeneration and prosperity, said most of the site had been earmarked for employment use.

He added the remainder would be for more mixed purposes, including green belt land allocated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, land to be used as playing fields and for modern technological businesses.

He explained: "It is a large area of employment land in Wyre Forest and we want to make sure we can get some high quality, clean businesses moving on to the site. The days of old-fashioned factories pumping out fumes have long gone."

He added: "The district council plays a proactive part in pre-planning application discussions with owners and agents to find the best appropriate use of the site for employment purposes."