Bulldozers could soon be closing in on a Victorian landmark in Sheerness.

The new owners of the water tower, a town centre feature for nearly 150 years, are drawing up plans to have it demolished.

Cedar Holdings, the London developers who took ownership of the tower last month, claimed it was beyond repair and residents will be glad to see the back of it.

Antony Senny, managing director of the company which has also bought the vacant Alldays store opposite the tower, said: “The present condition of the water tower means it is unsustainable to refurbish and it is not fit for purpose or conversion.

“We have much local support for its demolition from being a terrible eyesore and has deteriorated badly in recent years.”

The tower was built in 1863 and held a huge tank which provided water for homes and businesses throughout Sheerness.

Its purpose became redundant in the 1960s when a main built beneath the Kingsferry Bridge began pumping water from the mainland.

For nearly 50 years, the Trinity Road building has stood derelict, gradually falling into a state of disrepair.

It once enjoyed Grade II listed status but this was removed in the 1990s making it possible to demolish it.

However, it falls within a conservation area of Sheerness which means any demolition plans must go before the public.

Conservation area consent must also be given for its downfall.

Island historian David Hughes, 67, said he recognised the water tower cannot continue to survive in its current state, but hasn’t given up hope that some use could be found for the Victorian building.

He said: “I was shocked when I heard the tower had lost its listed building status, but it could still open as a venue or museum.

“Sheerness’s heritage is disappearing so fast and what’s left should be preserved.

“I’ll be sorry to see it go as a historical relic of bygone Sheerness.”