Residents of a Powys town have rallied against the planned demolition of one of the area’s historic buildings.

Croesawdy, in Newtown, has been marked for demolition on October 10, according to a memo posted on the building in late July.

Since the news became public, a campaign has grown within the town to protect the building, which dates back to Victorian times and was originally built for the owner of the nearby Woollen Mills, and was later used as part of Newtown College.

In a public survey included in Newtown’s ‘Place Plan’ document, Croesawdy is included as being a building of significance - but it is not registered as a listed building so is not protected by the accompanying restrictions.

The decision on whether to take the application to prior approval will be made by planning officers on or before 25 August.

At a public meeting this week, 70 local people gathered to express their concerns about the demolition and to plan a campaign to stop it.

Ideas suggested included a write-in to Powys County Council to express the opposition to the plans, or fundraising for legal representation.

It has not yet been confirmed what the plans are for the site after the demolition, which has been applied for by Mid Wales Property Ltd.

However, the company already has planning permission to build flats and houses on the former Travis Perkins site, which is behind Croesawdy.

Joy Jones, County Councillor for Newtown East Ward, commented: “Over the years Newtown has watched its history dissolve, as many historic buildings have been taken down around the town.

“People feel very strongly about their history and the history of Newtown. So buildings that have character and charm are important not only for this generation but for future generations and to give our town an identity, otherwise it will look very basic and plain.

“This building is on the main road that passes through Newtown so it is seen as an icon as it stands out amongst the rest. It will be a great shame if it is demolished to lose such a beautiful building and it is a pity that it hadn't been listed many years ago.”

Gill Bridgwater, who organised the campaign, said: “A public meeting was held last Monday evening where over 70 residents came together to discuss how they can save Croesawdy from the bulldozers.

“There are nearly 450 people on the Facebook group. All the historic societies of Newtown are passionate about preserving our heritage for future generations to come, we are merely the current custodians of our worldwide history of Newtown, each and every property telling its own story.

“Croesawdy is a 140 year old period property and was built when the wealth of Newtown Woollen & Textile Industry was flourishing.

“The famous Royal Welsh Warehouse built by Pryce Pryce-Jones was built only two years eariler and resides very close by. This magnificent home of Croesawdy was built for Samuel Morgan (jnr) the then owners of the Severn Valley Mills.

“The artifacts within Croesawdy were described as being ‘unique’ of their time, they were referring to the mosaic floor in the hallway and the ornate freeze tiling. There is also carved wood panelling and stain glassed windows throughout, one stained glass window shows the build date of 1881.

“This property from the external is in excellent condition so for Croesawdy to be taken away by bulldozers is an uncomprehendible thought for Newtonians to bear.”

Mid Wales Property Ltd has been contacted for comment.