COUNTY council wrecking balls which had been due to swing at the buildings on Bridgwater’s Northgate site may be halted for now after a public meeting in the town.

The meeting, chaired by Mayor of Bridgwater cllr Steve Austen, saw more than 80 members of the public voice their opinion on the future of the Northgate site following the decision of Tesco to pull out of deal to build a new superstore.

As reported in the Mercury earlier this month Somerset County Council had intended to demolish The Blake and Northgate offices as well as the Bridgwater Enterprise Centre for adults.

However James Stubbs, head of Property and Business Development at Somerset County Council told the meeting at Trinity Hall that he would put a stop to the planned demolition until a review could be carried out.

He said: “Given the strength of feeling here tonight I will halt the demolition until such time that we have had a consultation and considered the views of the people here.”

Members of the public continuously voiced their concerns over the demolition of what they say are part of Bridgwater’s history.

Pat Morgan who used to work in one of the buildings said: “That building was the old workhouse infirmary and goes back many, many years. It has a huge amount of history and holds dear to many people’s hearts.”

Nick Gibson of Bridgwater told the meeting: “You’re going to destroy the buildings before they can be used. These are original Bridgwater bricks – made in Bridgwater, and you’re planning to grind them into rubble.”

Following the meeting Mr Stubbs confirmed to the Mercury that the review would take place although could not indicate how long it would take.