NEARLY 150 people have signed a petition to save the Locarno following an application to knock it down.

Landowner Gael Mackenzie has recently submitted an application to Swindon Council, through site developer Steve Rosier, asking permission to demolish the listed building.

Coun Dave Wood (Lib Dem, Eastcott) started an online petition two weeks ago, calling on the council to work with Mr Mackenzie to find a viable use for the historic building. So far, a total of 148 people have signed the petition.

Coun Wood said the petition aimed to show the strength of feeling over the issue, adding there was a popular perception that the council had not been working hard enough with the owners of the building to find a viable use for the site.

Mr Rosier said last month that, after 10 years’ trying to secure its future, there was now no option than to propose new buildings on the site.

Mr Rosier, of Bach Homes Locarno, said they have also resubmitted a proposal to turn it into a 117-room hotel. This plan was rejected by the council in February last year.

Mr Mackenzie said the demolition was a last resort and he would only do so if another solution was not found.

Visit ipetitions.com/ petition/locarno/ or facebook.com/SaveTheLocarno