TOWN councillors are calling for the main features of a building in Marlborough High Street to be retained.

They were commenting on a plan by Haine and Smith opticians to open a shop at the former Barclays Bank building at 23/24 High Street, latterly part of the former Portman Building Society HQ, and are proposing a new shop front.

The Civic Society says it would regret the destruction of the early 20th century facade.

The town council planning committee voted seven to three to tell Kennet District Council that it would like the main features of the facade retained.