THE end of an era was heralded in spectacular fashion at Burnley Football Club as Turf Moor's famous floodlights disappeared overnight following a specialist operation at the ground.

The floodlights - which have stood proudly at the stadium for more than 40 years - were demolished as part of the club's ambitious £6 million redevelopment of the ground.

Demolition specialists Forshift were called in for the operation, in which the floodlights were held down by a crane while intrepid workers scaled the structures and cut them into sections using a flame-gun.

Club chairman Frank Teasdale said: "This is a milestone in the club's history. It marks the end of one era and the start of a new one which we hope will bring exciting times to Burnley Football Club.

"We are delighted with the magnificent new North Stand and the floodlight operation represents the latest phase in our £6 million development plan for Turf Moor."

Site manager Andy Meadowcroft told the Citizen: "The operation is done with a 100-tonne crane and the aid of oxy-acetylene cutters. The floodlight is cut halfway down and lifted down.

"The top section is removed first, followed by the bottom section. The man goes up a ladder on the floodlight and uses an oxy-acetylene gun to cut away the structure while the crane holds the floodlight in place.

"The bulbs are removed and can be used again as they are worth quite a lot of money."

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