The UK’s last-remaining coal-fired power station will close down for good in two weeks, marking the end of an era for people in the East Midlands. Ratcliffe-on-Soar, which has been generating electricity for more than half a century, stands as a sign of home to many living in the region. For those living nearby it has been both a landmark and a direct influence on their lives.
The site will close on 30 September and decommissioning, which is set to take two years, will begin immediately after. As well as the practical shift in energy production, the closure marks the end of an era in the local community. Mary Weston-Webb, from Redhill Marina, is one of the closest to live to the cooling towers.
She said: “The number of people that come and photograph it, particularly when we get the steam coming off the chimneys and mixing with the clouds and things. "There are some stunning sunsets, sunrises, beautiful photos of it.” But she admitted it had had an impact beyond the visual.
She said: “It does seem silly to be attached to it but it will be very sad when it goes. “We did used to get black spots on the washing when we were hanging it out, and black spots on the car roofs that were acid. “It was a concern but they have spent quite a lot of money I believe and put all that right, so it wasn’t a problem.
“My grandchildren know as soon as they see the towers, that they’re near my house.” Margaret Osborne, 85, came to Ratcliffe-on-Soar from Ireland when she was yo.