THE battle to save a Victorian schoolhouse in Bidford was stepped up this week as campaigners tried to get the building listed by English Heritage.

The house, on the site of the former primary school in Victoria Road, was to be converted into flats as part of a development by Westbury Homes Ltd.

But after getting planning permission the developers then decided they wanted to demolish it and build four houses in its place.

Stratford District Council's West Area planning committee deferred a decision for a site visit. Shortly afterwards, the company served the council with 48 hours notice of their intention to demolish the building.

Residents and councillors have now contacted English Heritage with the hope of getting the schoolhouse listed.

Walter Stafford, spokesman for Bidford on Avon Residents Group (BARG) said: "Unless English Heritage spot list the buildings there is little we can do to prevent its demolition.

"If successful we can celebrate. If not BARG would urge everyone to support the parish and district council in their efforts to secure an acceptable and sympathetic development on the site."