Engineers promise to protect falcons when gas holder demolished

ENGINEERS say their company will do “everything it can” to ensure the safety of peregrine falcons nesting at Huddersfield’s last remaining gas holder.

Last week it was reported that Huddersfield’s disused gas works, the Gas Club and two more buildings going by the names of the ‘Anti-Freeze Building’ and the ‘Rail Shed’, are to be torn down, subject to approval from Kirklees Council.

The process is set to begin in the summer, with the dismantling of the 127ft structure to begin in January.

Back in 2020, it became home to peregrine falcons who chose the unlikely site to bring up their young.

After the recent news of the demolition plans surfaced, concerns were raised for the impact on the birds that have returned to nest each year, but Mark Johnson, Senior Project Manager at Northern Gas Networks, says there is “strong evidence” to suggest that the birds have moved on.

He said: “Since 2020, we have been working closely with local experts Huddersfield Peregrines to help monitor and protect the peregrine falcons that have returned to nest on our Huddersfield gas holder each spring.

“This year however, there is strong evidence to suggest that the peregrine falcons have found a new nesting site at a nearby mill.”

He added: “We will do everything we can to ensure our work does not impact on the falcons, and as an extra precaution we have brought forward the work to dismantle our gas holder, to avoid nesting season.”

Dating back to 1916, Huddersfield’s gas holder is the last of 47 to be demolished by Northern Gas Networks in a bid to reduce maintenance costs. When the town stopped producing gas in the 1960s, the holder became redundant but remained a local landmark.

It is a familiar sight to supporters who attend football and rugby league matches at the nearby sports stadium.

A letter sent to residents about the plans said the gas holders had been “a vital part” of the supply system for a century and also bolstered gas supplies during cold weather. “Advances in technology and the enhanced capability of the modern day gas network, however, mean these gas holders are no longer required,” it added.