A large piece of history came crashing down today at the steel mill.

The last overhead crane was pushed off its tracks at the former Thamesteel Complex in Blue Town.

The demolition crews have been hard at work knocking down the disused factory, using a crane and water jets.

VIDEO: The demolition of the last crane

One worker involved in the demolition project, said: “It is definitely the end of an era. I’ve watched it working all my life now I’m here in its final stages while it makes the last of its dust, noise and pollution.

“I’ve lived here all my life and I know the happiness and memories that this place has made but the mill was rotten.

“The dust inside was unbelievable. The concrete floor and structure inside was baked dry from the heat and causing it to become unstable.”

VIDEO: The building comes down piece by piece

Dust clouds filled the area and the metal skeleton came tumbling to the ground.

“The roof sheets were rotten from the heat. It’s had its day and met its expiry date. It was just a matter of time before it would go, just like all the industry along Rushenden Road,” he added.

“The island is becoming desolate to the expired industry that’s rotten away but they development should bring more work for Peel Ports and hopefully create more jobs on the island.”

Production furnaces were removed and Peel Ports is now refurbishing the existing warehouses next to the mill.

Plans for the area off Brielle way, now called Wellmarsh, have been submitted to Swale council.

The scheme includes a bridge over the road to the docks.

Jobs have been advertised but there is no update in relation to the reintroduction of steel rolling at the plant.