Hydrogen station demolished

08 June 2007

The demolished refuelling station can be seen behind the price tower

BP's only UK hydrogen filling station, off the A127, Hornchurch, has been demolished after only three year's use.

The station, the hub of a £4.5million scheme to cut bus pollution, was, it has now been revealed, only ever intended to run for a few years. It was on the same site as a normal filling station which remains.

Environment

A BP spokesman said: "We always knew this had an end date.

"It has furthered our understanding on using these facilities in a retail environment and increased public awareness."

And Transport for London said without their investment hydrogen technology would not be so advanced.

But long-time opponent, Cllr Barry Tebbutt, has branded the scheme a "waste of money".

The Cabinet Member for StreetCare sat on the Planning Committee which refused permission for the refuelling station, but the refusal was oveturned on appeal.

He said: "The lack of longevity to this project was held from us when we discussed the matter.

Read the full story in this week's Recorder - out now.