Tipton silos which towered over homes are pulled down

These two 30ft silos - erected without planning permission - have now been taken down in what is being touted as a victory for protestors.

One by one, the two structures were razed to the ground, bringing an end to a row which had rumbled on for months.

Residents living near the KTC Edibles factory on the Tipton and Wednesbury border were furious when the silos were put up without planning permission. They had called on Sandwell Council to order them to be removed.

The company entered into discussions with the council and it was agreed that the silos would be moved out of sight to another part of the site.

Resident Marie Jarvis, of Sefton Grove, who led the campaign to have the silos removed, said she was pleased KTC Edibles had agreed to discuss reaching a compromise with residents.

"It works for both sides," she said. "If there is a compromise you should be able to get together with whoever has got issues and sort it out quite amicably.

"It blotted the whole estate, now everyone is happy."

Sandwell Council agreed that the structures should be moved at a planning meeting last month.

The authority's development and regulatory services manager John Baker said they were 'removing a visual monstrosity'.

Councillors Steve Jones, Owain Jones and Elaine Costigan had been involved in the campaign to see the silos removed.

Hundreds signed a petition calling for them to be taken down saying they were blighting the skyline for those living in the area.

Councillor Steve Jones thanked KTC for agreeing to co-operate with the council and residents.

"It is great news for the residents there," he said. "There was anger from residents at the time. I was having a lot of phone calls.

Councillor Costigan added: "KTC listened to the people and you have to take your hat off to them really.

"It is good news for the residents there."