NEARLY 40 years of history disappeared in just eight seconds as two Glasgow high-rise flats were demolished.

Hundreds gathered to watch the controlled explosion at the 23-storey blocks at 12 Riverford Road and 21 Riverbank Street in Pollokshaws, on the city's South Side, yesterday lunchtime. Built in 1967, the concrete towers were once home to around 500 people but Glasgow Housing Association decided to demolish the blocks in April 2005 and the last residents moved out in October.

Jim Sneddon, executive director of regeneration at GHA, said: "Shawbridge Corridor is one of eight areas in the city which has been identified as a priority for regeneration by GHA and Glasgow City Council. Today's demolition marks the start of that process.

"The area has superb potential for future redevelopment given its excellent location, the river, numerous interesting buildings and transport links. We are committed to building a new, stronger community for future generations."

Reader Poll Another high-rise block of flats was pulled down at the weekend. Is the GHA right to demolish tower blocks to build new homes? Yes 84.5% No 12.1% Don't know 3.4%

The demolition was delayed for half an hour to 12.30pm for extra checks on the more than 200 homes evacuated within the 150metre-wide exclusion zone.

It took 1000 individual charges to bring the blocks down - around 30 kilos of explosive.

Among those watching were former tenants who were pleased to see them go.

Gary Oswald, 33, said: "The houses were infected with asbestos and were damp. I now have a new GHA place in Kennishead and it's much better."

David Donald, 51, said: "I stayed at 12 Riverford Road. They were good inside and I miss having a veranda but I will be glad to see the back of them. Seeing them come down was impressive."

Other locals were also positive about the changes going on.

William Walker, 42, from Pollokshaws, said: "High rise living's had its day. I was born and brought up in this area. But they need to make sure the housing they replace them with is affordable."

Coleman and Company worked for nine months preparing the buildings for demolition and the 16,000 tonnes of rubble will be recycled where possible for use in new buildings and roads.

Plans are being developed to create 900 new houses for rent, low-cost ownership and private sale on the site.

Last week two towers in Sighthill and the Millarston flats in Paisley were demolished, while the Stirlingfaulds flats in the Gorbals were flattened last month.