HERITAGE campaigners have vowed to fight on for Hereford’s former working boys home.

English Heritage confirmed today (Wed) that it was not going to list the Bath Street site – now the County Offices.

Herefordshire Council  is keen on selling the site to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service for a much-needed new fire station for Hereford.

EH says the site  is not of “sufficient architectural quality” to merit listed status.

The decision is a blow to heritage campaigners fighting to save the site sale and demolition.

But Hereford Civic Society (HCS) says the fight goes on.

“While HCS is disappointed it doesn’t alter the situation. This group of buildings makes a huge contribution to the character of Hereford. To pull down sound buildings to make way for a garage for heavy vehicles is fundamentally unsound, and is not the best financial deal,” said HCS chairman John Bothamley.

“The current intention, we understand, is to demolish the existing fire station for use as a car park.  It would make sound sense to create additional car parking on top of the existing car park behind St.Owens Street and to the side of the Shire Hall, just one or possibly two layers,” said Mr Bothamley.

“We remain of the opinion that the two prominent buildings, to the front of the site, should be retained and the rest of the site developed with flats - surely there are suitable sites for the fire service on the new Link Road,” he said.