 The tower was closed in 1914 following the outbreak of the First World War , for the duration of which the steel structure was not maintained and consequently became rusty . During the war the government made unsuccessful attempts to buy the tower for its metal . Controversy still surrounds the decision to dismantle the tower after the war ended ; some still believe the structure was safe and could have been repaired . Demolition began in 1919 and by 1921 only the ballroom remained . The metal was sold to scrap dealers . 
