THE ‘landmark’ chimney of a soon-to-be-closed Poole factory should be preserved as a reminder of the town’s industrial past, a borough councillor has urged.

Crown Closures in Lake Road, Hamworthy, confirmed this month that it is to close its doors for good with the loss of more than 100 jobs – marking the end of the factory which has operated from the site since the Second World War.

Now Poole Councillor Tony Trent, who used to work in the factory during the 1990s when it was called Carnaud Metal Box, is calling for its brick chimney to be preserved as “a fitting memorial to what is fast becoming Poole’s industrial past”.

He told the Daily Echo: “Unfortunately this is the last of its kind. I know there is nothing different about it, but I think it is important for us to keep some evidence of our industrial heritage.”

Cllr Trent has made contact with Borough of Poole officers and councillors as well as starting a group on Facebook called Save the Old Metal Box Chimney in Poole. So far he said responses have been mixed, with some arguing it isn’t worth protecting, and others backing the call.

He added: “It is sad to see so many non-service or retail jobs disappear in Poole. It would also be sad if we were to lose the iconic chimney.”

But Fred Winwood, chairman of Hamside Residents Association, suggested the chimney, had not endeared itself to the community.

He added: “To me what they need to look at is not preserving the chimney, but to try to preserve the industrial use of this site.”

Borough of Poole had not commented as the Daily Echo went to press.