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Somerset's Victorian 'stink pipe' landmark cut down

BBC Two men standing next to the stink pipe stump, covered with a black bin linerBBC
The remaining cast-iron stump stands at around one metre tall

Residents have been left mourning the loss of an ornate Victorian stink pipe that had become a local landmark.

The cast-iron pipe at Bleadon Hill, Somerset, was previously used to allow noxious gases to escape from underground sewers.

Wessex Water were required to remove the top section of the pipe for 'safety reasons', but do plan to replace it.

"It had a crown on it. I think it was probably the King of stink pipes," said local resident Alan Holly.

Ventilation pipes were originally designed to release harmful gases far above ground level to prevent inhalation or unpleasant smells.

They became obsolete in the 20th century due to advances in sewage processing and very few remained, though another surviving pipe recently gained recognition as a popular 'tourist attraction'.

Mike Gutsell Tall metal pipe on a grassy patchMike Gutsell
The original cast iron structure was topped with an ornate Victorian crown

A spokesperson from Wessex Water said: "We were required to remove the top sections of the vent stack pipe, which had become unsafe, but the base has been preserved.

"We are currently arranging a replacement for the upper sections which will be coated in anti-climb paint as a precaution," they added.

The 'stink pipe' beside the A370 now stands at around one metre tall, covered temporarily with a black plastic bin liner.

"It's just always been there, a local landmark," said Mr Holly, who lives opposite the pipe.

"I think it was cut up. I saw small pieces of pipe going in the back of a truck, so I think it's long gone," he continued.

The stink pipe stump, covered with a black bin liner
Wessex Water say the top of the structure will be replaced

Though the utility company plan to replace the tall structure, local residents say the heritage value is already lost.

"It was definitely much more magnificent then. It's just an eyesore now," Mr Holly added.

"On the one hand it's only an 18ft rusty pipe, but it was an 18ft rusty pipe with a lot of meaning for people," said local writer, Mike Gustell.

Mr Gutsell had even written a short ghost story about the pipe, with the tall chimney releasing spirits trapped beneath the hill.

He said it was "terrible" to see the original pipe shortened, adding: "I don't think a black plastic bin liner is going to keep any spirits in."

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