THE disused gasholders on the old Southall Gasworks site are about to be dismantled by National Grid.

This work is a key step towards preparing the landmark site for planned regeneration.

National Grid and developer St James, which now owns the site in The Straight, agreed a deal in July to allow the 85-acre site to be redeveloped.

The plans involve building 3,750 new homes, alongside a school and shops, creating around 1,000 permanent jobs.

However, before work can start, the gasholders need to be removed and St James will need to secure detailed planning permission for its regeneration plans.

National Grid is due to start work on the site in early October and should begin dismantling the first gasholder early next year.

Nadia Dew, National Grid’s land regeneration manager, said: “In its day, this site fulfilled a vital purpose, helping to supply the local community with gas.”

“However improvements in technology mean we don’t need the site for that purpose any more, so we’re freeing up the land for redevelopment.”

National Grid has circulated a letter and information leaflet to residents and nearby businesses and promises to keep the community informed throughout the dismantling.