Plans to put ex-Ironbridge power station site up for sale

The power station provided power for the equivalent of 750,000 homes

A decommissioned power plant is going up for sale.

The Ironbridge power station in Shropshire opened in 1969 and became one of the UK's largest plants, but stopped generating electricity in 2015.

Owner Uniper said it decided to seek a buyer after concluding "it wasn't suitable for any future conventional power generation projects".

Decommissioning work at the plant is in its final stages and plans for its demolition have also been drawn up.

Nearby residents have been divided over whether they want to see the cooling towers demolished, with some saying they are an "eyesore" but others finding their familiarity comforting.

Originally coal-fired and providing power for the equivalent of 750,000 homes, the power station, at Buildwas, converted to burning wood pellets in 2013.

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The decision was reached over the 141-hectare site after "considering a number of options for the site," Uniper said, adding it recognised there was a great deal of interest in the site's future.

The power station is seen in an aerial view from 26 March 1968, before it was connected to the National Grid

Uniper UK head of development Neil Riley said: "The power station here performed a sterling role in generating electricity for almost half a century but it's time now for the site to look to a different future."