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First Great Western is offering free parking for anyone who wants to watch the demolition of the landmark Didcot power station cooling towers on the early hours of Sunday.

The planned demolition is set to go ahead between 3am and 5am.

The train operator is allowing free parking at its Foxhall Road car park between midnight on Saturday and 7am on Sunday.

Watch the Didcot Power Station demolition here on getreading

First Great Western Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “With three of the iconic cooling towers set to be blown down on Sunday morning, we recognise that many people will wish to view this event first hand.

“Those wishing to watch this great spectacle from Great Western Park are welcome to use our car park, just a short walk away from the safe viewing area.”

A local organisations has arranged for people to view it safely from the top of a nearby landmark hill.

Earth Trust, the charity that looks after Wittenham Clumps, anticipating a lot of people will look for a lofty, panoramic view of the power station, is opening its car park to visitors from midnight on Saturday, July 26 to prevent people from parking on the narrow country lanes.

Taylor Wimpey – part of the consortium operating on nearby land at the Great Western Park development – had until recently been planning to make an area available for members of the public to view the demolition.

However, following advice from the expert contractors involved in the demolition regarding the danger of dust from the explosion affecting the site, the company has reluctantly withdrawn the plans.

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The demolition contractors are recommending people stay inside and watch the blow down, which is being streamed live on the Internet, from the warmth and safety of their homes.

It’s clear however many people view this as a historic event and intend to be there whatever the time.

There are safety issues to be considered if people do intend to go to Didcot and the district councils are asking people to plan their arrangements to take account of road closures and the likely direction of dust clouds.

Watch the Didcot Power Station demolition here on getreading

Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils are offering this advice to residents:

* don’t try to get close to the towers - get too close and you will probably get covered in and end up breathing in, dust and grit – keep your distance.

* it may be early in the morning but there are likely to be lots of people out on the roads – park legally and safely in proper car parks, not on the roadside

* it will be dark – take a torch and wear bright clothing

* if you are intending to travel to Didcot in a car, park in the main station car park off Foxhall Road, it's free from midnight until 7am. If you use the car parks in front of the station you will have to pay.

* there will be road closures in place in the areas around the power station. The A4130 from Milton Interchange on the A34 right round to the northern entrance to Southmead business park will be closed from 03.00 to 06.00am, as will Milton Road between the railway and the power station site. Full details of the road closures can be found on the councils’ websites

* if the two identified viewing areas reach capacity, viewers will have to go elsewhere. Arrive in good time and consider in advance where to go if your chosen viewing area is full

* remember that the cooling towers can be seen from miles away – it’s not necessary to try and get close to see the action

* above all, be sensible, don’t take risks and look after your friends and family

Councillor Matthew Barber, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said:

“This is a symbolic moment for residents in the Vale and indeed across the south-east of England – we want people to enjoy the occasion, but it’s really important that they do so safely and securely.”

Councillor Anna Badcock, deputy leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said:

“We’re really pleased Earth Trust have decided to open their car parks up to residents keen to get a good view of the power station from a good, safe distance. As they’re a charity, we’ve provided some financial help towards safety arrangements and we ask those going to the Earth Trust to also make a donation”.