AN iconic reminder of Watchet's industrial past is set to disappear from the skyline after heritage campaigners failed to stop plans to demolish Wansbrough Paper Mill's Victorian brick chimney.

Watchet Conservation Society had hoped English Heritage would "spot list" the structure to preserve it for generations to come, but the stack was not deemed important enough and it now appears to be a matter of time before it is demolished.

Mill owners DS Smith Paper, formerly known as St Regis, said they had no choice but to take down the towering structure brick-by-brick after a five-yearly check revealed the stack was starting to show its age and would need expensive repairs if it was to remain standing.

The chimney was built in the late 19th century at the end of underground flues to overcome draught problems from the coal-fired boilers in the mill below.

Paul Upton, of the conservation society, said it was most likely constructed of red bricks from Wellington Brick Works, with buff brick bands probably brought by boat from Ebbw Vale.

He said the square sections made it extremely unusual and quite unique in the area, but still not rare enough for English Heritage.

"The chimney figures as a major landmark in Watchet, familiar to locals and visitors alike," he said.

"It stands proudly on the hillside, close to the tower of St Decuman's Church, a reminder of the town's industrial past.

"It is visible from many directions, but none better than from the old mineral line. It would be very sad indeed to lose it." Mr Upton accepted people living close to the mill would probably be glad to see the chimney demolished but others were disappointed English Heritage had declined to protect it.

"There seems to be no way other than persuasion to prevent the mill from demolishing it," he said.

"I don't know if they have considered other uses for the chimney, such as putting telecommunications equipment on it."

But Mike Collins, DS Smith Paper's environmental director, said keeping the chimney was not an option, both on cost and safety grounds.

"We had a recent survey carried out and because there is a footpath and houses nearby we took a proactive approach on health and safety grounds," he said.

"We were recommended to have it taken down and although I don't know the exact time frame, the scaffolding will be going up soon.

"We have agreed with the conservation society to have a plaque put up to say the chimney was there and what it was for."

The chimney is likely to be gone before the end of the summer, although demolition work cannot start until the mill owners get two thumbs-up from West Somerset Council.

Under the Building Act 1984, people demolishing structures need to notify the council's building control service so officers can ensure the work is carried out safely.

They also now have to inform the council's planning department of the proposals, although planning permission is not required.

Instead, planning officers have to decide whether approval is needed for demolition based on the method and proposals for the restoration of the site.

In some cases, a lengthy document known as an environmental impact assessment has to be produced before any work can be carried out.

Stacey Beaumont, the council's media and public relations officer, said the council was satisfied DS Smith Paper had the relevant safety measures in place for the demolition and the other side of the application was currently being considered.

She said whatever the council decided, the architectural and historical merits of the structure would not be taken into account.

But while Mr Upton said he would be sad to lose the chimney from the Watchet vista, town and district councillor Dave Westcott was more upbeat about the mill's proposal:

"I think the majority of people in Watchet aren't bothered either way, while a lot of people won't even be aware of it.

"My personal view is that it's only a chimney - if it was a lovely building and you could appreciate it's history, then I'm all for listing it, but this isn't like that and, personally, I don't think it's worth saving."