WORK has started to dismantle two gas holders at a site which was the target of an IRA bomb attack in 1993.

National Grid began the work on Winwick Road as part of a nationwide gas holder demolition programme with plans to clear the site for future use.

The site once formed part of the Longford and Winwick Road Gasworks, run by Warrington Gas Light and Coke Company, first opened in 1821.

The two gas holders being dismantled were built in 1936 and 1955 and taken out of use in 2009.

A third gas holder was the target of the bombing and was removed shortly afterwards.

Today, gas holders are no longer required due to investments made to improve the national network, meaning gas can be stored in the pipe system or underground.

Initially work will start to remove one gas holder with work to the second gas holder following soon after.

The work to each gas holder will be carried out in a number of phases and finished one after another.

Specialist contractors appointed by National Grid will first remove and treat any water from the gas holders, before removing the sludge and any other debris from the base.

Staff have warned this can produce an unpleasant smell but it is not harmful to people who live in the surrounding community or the environment.

If people think they smell gas, they should contact the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.

A National Grid engineer will need to check if there is a gas escape unrelated to the work on the gas holder site.

Chris Taylor, land regeneration manager for National Grid, said: “We appreciate work to the Winwick Road gas holders will be of interest to the local community due to the history of the site.

“As part of the demolition programme we will remove the gas holders as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise the impact on local people and the environment."

Work has started on site and is expected to continue for around five months.

For more information, call 0800 819 9071.