A historic building in Warminster high street that has been one of the town’s ‘eyesores’ for the past decade or more has finally been demolished.

The demolition of 3 High Street in Warminster follows enforcement action by Wiltshire Council.

Local councillors are now backing a planning application for the space to be used for a new shop and 11 flats.

The demolition of 3 High Street, Warminster, is now complete apart from timbers and steelwork of the adjoining business. Trevor Porter 77183-3The demolition of 3 High Street, Warminster, is now complete apart from timbers and steelwork of the adjoining business. Trevor Porter 77183-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Warminster mayor, Cllr Stacie Allensby said: “It is a relief that the scaffolding has gone because that was not safe.

“It is a bit sad that it has ended up going that way because it was a listed building but unfortunately we can’t force people to care for listed buildings.”

The planning application notice for 3 High Street, Warminster. Trevor Porter 77183-4The planning application notice for 3 High Street, Warminster. Trevor Porter 77183-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Wiltshire Council was forced to take enforcement action against the owner of the Grade II listed building last occupied by a menswear chain in 2005.

The property had since been left empty and derelict after being classed as dangerous and its frontage propped up by scaffolding.

Some work still remains to take down the scaffolding on the building next door.

Ian Frostick, chair of the Feoffees of the historic St Lawrence Chapel next to Number 3, said they and the trustees supported the planning applications in principle.