Peaceful protest to be held to save St Austell historic building
Residents say they're hoping to gather next month
Residents of a Cornish town are planning a peaceful protest in a bid to save a “precious gem” which was bought by Cornwall Council for £1million but is still empty two years on.
The council bought the former General Wolfe pub in St Austell to redevelop into accommodation for homeless and vulnerable people. There is no suggestion from the council that it is planning to demolish the building.
There is still no construction work visible and the site has become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour. A spokesperson for the council said in February it is committed to working with St Austell Town Council to find the best viable solution and is already working on cost estimates for the structural renovation.
However, many people in the town fear it could mean the fourth oldest building in St Austell is demolished.
Sheila Vanloo, from St Austell, told us: "We don't want to lose yet another fabulous building. We've seen so much disappear across St Austell and other towns of course. We don't want to wake up one morning and see half the building demolished.
"People are sending in photos and they're passionate about it. It's got such a long history in the town.
"It will be a very peaceful protest although everyone is passionate about the building. We just want to raise the profile and remind people we've not got many of these historic buildings left."
We have contacted Cornwall Council for an update on the situation.