THE old incinerator tower which has dominated the skyline over Southampton Water for more than 30 years is about to disappear.

Hampshire County Council has revealed that the huge building in Bury Road, Marchwood, is about to be torn down at a cost of £250,000.

A county council spokesman confirmed that demolition work would start this week.

Marchwood county councillor David Harrison said: “Local people will be delighted that an ugly carbuncle is going to be removed.

“The old incinerator is a prominent eyesore at one of the gateways to the New Forest area.”

Alan Shotter, chairman of Marchwood Parish Council, added: “At long last, after many promises made over the past three or four years, demolition is beginning.

“The incinerator should be down by the end of June, which will be a great day for Marchwood.

“It’s a blot on the landscape and I’m delighted it will soon be gone. It’s very much a case of goodbye and good riddance.”

The incinerator closed several years ago after failing to meet new environmental standards and has since been replaced by a new rubbish burner nearby.

Mel Kendal, the county council’s executive member for environment, said: “I’m delighted to confirm that the former incinerator will be demolished soon and I know that Marchwood residents will share my pleasure.”

The massive rectangular building at the northern end of the village is next door to a household waste recycling centre.

Cllr Kendal said its demolition would allow the county council to provide a more modern and efficient recycling centre that would enable Hampshire residents to dispose of bulky items and garden waste more easily.