THE cooling towers of Didcot power station have divided popular opinion for years.

Some find their presence comforting while others believe they are a blot on the landscape – and can’t wait for their demolition.

Today the landmark plant notches up 40 years of generating electricity.

Didcot A, the coal-fired power station with six iconic 325ft-tall cooling towers, first generated electricity in September 1970 – and past and present staff marked the anniversary yesterday with a nostalgic look back at the plant’s success.

Roger Barnes, 56, the engineering and maintenance manager, started work at the plant a few weeks before it started operating.

He said: “I have worked my way up over the years and I’m glad I was given the opportunity. It has been nice to see some familiar faces back at the plant to celebrate the anniversary.”

Station manager Jim Haggan said: “The power station has been a landmark for 40 years and has done a tremendous job of providing the power vital to Britain’s economy.

“It has put millions of pounds into the economy of Oxfordshire and provided employment for thousands of people over the past 40 years. The towers were mentioned in Bill Bryson’s books and have been admired by many.”

But retired civil engineer Keith Harris, 68, of Charney Bassett, near Wantage, said he was looking forward to seeing Didcot A decommissioned in 2015.

He added: “Some people think the power station is an object of beauty but I think it’s ugly and it spoils the views from miles around.”

Jeanette Howse, chairman of the Didcot Chamber of Commerce, disagreed. She said: “The cooling towers look stunning against the skyline and when you’re driving back from a trip away and see them, you know you’re almost home.

“Didcot power station has been good for the local economy and this anniversary is well worth celebrating.”

Mr Haggan added: “We have welcomed back former staff to reminisce and see how the plant has developed and improved, with the emphasis on energy efficiency and lowering emissions.

“Perhaps there will be a campaign to keep the cooling towers but the intention is to demolish them.”

Further celebrations will include an employee day today, featuring a 1970s-style lunch and past staff will attend a reunion tomorrow.