Work on demolishing a well-known Highbridge landmark has this week been completed as construction vehicles moved in to begin work on building a multi-million pound housing estate.
The former marine radio communications site in Pepperall Road has been razed to the ground to make way for approximately 200 new homes.
The site shut in April 2000 after being active for 72 years since its grand opening in July 1928.
Larry Bennett, a radio officer at the site for more than 20 years, told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Friday (March 23rd): “It’s very sad to see it all gone. There was so much history there.”
“The site employed over 400 people at its height and had a thriving social scene. We were like one big family in many ways. I have many, many happy memories from my years there.”
Long distance maritime communications were controlled from the site, which was operated by the maritime radio services division of the Post Office.
The station, which was universally known as Portishead Radio, took its name from the remotely-controlled transmitting station at Portishead, and is fondly remembered by many staff who worked there.
Larry has set up a new website recounting the history of the station and showing its transformation into a modern housing estate.
