16165/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Builder Chris Stephens is leading a campaign against an application for the demolition of Hilmarton's Women's Institute Hall.

Father-of-one Mr Stephens, 45, lives next door to the building on Compton Road and believes it should be refurbished and converted into a village shop rather than destroyed.

He said: "A recent survey within the village showed that 69 per cent of parishioners wanted a village shop and I think it should be refurbished and put to use rather than being demolished.

"It hasn't really been discussed and once it's gone it can't be replaced.

"It is a bit run down but it adds variety to the road and there's also quite a bit of history around the building including a rifle range round the back that was used by the Home Guard during World War Two."

Mr Stephens, who has lived in Hilmarton for four years, says other residents on the road are in support of his objections and he plans to collect a petition against the application.

"It's just painted grey at the moment, which doesn't help, but when you look at other tin tabernacles, particularly ones in South Wales, you can see how nice they can look," said Mr Stephens.

The application for demolition has been submitted by Hilmarton Community Association.

Chairman of the association Jacquie Henly said: "It is so easy in small communities to have good ideas but very rarely are they followed up by positive action.

"We were surprised to suddenly hear of this campaign to save the hall as the proposals have been in the public domain for so long.

"The majority of comments received from villagers over the last few years have been contrary to Mr Stephens personal views."

Mrs Henly said the association had been formed with the sole intention of trying to secure ownership of the WI Hall.

In December 2003 the association informed parishioners of their intent to sell the hall and use the proceeds to help fund a school/community hall project.

Mrs Henly said: "It's all well and good making these suggestions but whose going to be prepared to look after the building and get it back into a state so that it can be used again."

Mrs Henly said that there were currently no plans for the land if the association does get permission to demolish the WI Hall.

She said: "All we've done at the moment is put in an application to demolish it because it's in such a bad state of repair that we don't want it to fall down and hurt someone."

Members of the public have until June 2 to object to the application.