AN outcry over the proposed demolition of three buildings in St John's has led to them escaping the bulldozers for the time being.

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's had wanted to level the Smoke Stack pub, Picasso's nightclub and Cordle's grocery to provide access for traffic entering a proposed car park at Swanpool Walk.

But, following a series of meetings with Worcester City Council officers, the company has thought again.

Revised proposals - which are on display at the planning offices at Orchard House in Farrier Street - now feature access only by the existing road next to Barclays Bank.

The move follows objections to the application from English Heritage as well as residents.

"The three buildings will be retained," said Alun Davies, Sainsbury's regional development executive.

He said the company was "responding to concerns" expressed by council officers as well as the public.

"We think this represents a satisfactory compromise," said Mr Davies.

"I can't say what will happen to the pub, the club and the shop as that depends on the outcome of our application, but we'd look to re-use the buildings in some form if the application is successful."

Sainsbury's has also re-jigged the proposals for the supermarket. Mr Davies said the store would now have a curved roof, making it "cleaner and more distinctive".

Sainsbury's has suggested a "toucan" crossing at Bromwich Road, to be used by cyclists and pedestrians entering the supermarket site from the east.

The company wants a decision on its supermarket application "sooner rather than later".

But Safeway and Asda - both of which have unveiled proposals for supermarkets in Worcester - have also held meetings with Worcester City Council officers.

However, neither firm has drafted fresh plans so far. Worcester City Council wishes to consider all three applications together, at a special meeting of the technical services committee.

People wanting to comment on Sainsbury's revised application have until Friday, January 5, in which to send their views to Worcester City Council.