A CENTURY-old family firm has vowed to fight to keep going, after it was announced planning permission was being sought to demolish its premises.

F. Hedges and Sons, lawnmower specialists based in Willow Road, have been inundated with words of support since the Advertiser/Messenger revealed David Payne Homes Ltd plans to demolish the old button factory, F. Hedges and number 77 on the road.

"It's been very touching to see the support for the company," said secretary for the company, Jenny Hedges. "We do things in quite an old fashioned way and people like it. We don't even use computers but it works for us!"

Expires

The lease on the purpose-built workshop expires in September 2004 and the family is reconciled to the idea they will have to move. Jenny adds: "We'll have to look around for new premises and we're keeping our eyes peeled for anywhere that would be suitable."

The firm has been supplying the gardeners of Bromsgrove since 1876, from a number of different locations around the town.

The button factory that was formally owned by the Sanders family, could be demolished if planning permission is granted.

"It will be sad to see the old button factory go. It's part of Bromsgrove's heritage. It would be wonderful if somehow it could be moved to Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, but I think it would be too expensive," adds Jenny.

The planning application will be discussed at a forthcoming planning meeting.