May I point out that the empty school building in Bath Road, Devizes that is likely to be saved from demolition dates from 1906, not the 1870s, as stated in your report. The date is over the main door.
People living in the vicinity will be delighted at its salvation, if only for housing purposes. The 1870s school stands behind St Peter’s Church. It was opened in 1870, six years after the church was opened and is used as a nursery.
The 1906 building has an impressive frontage onto Bath Road and its loss would be greatly regretted. It served three different forms of education: first as a secondary school, then as a grammar school and, finally, a primary school. Many former scholars still revere it.
It is also pleasing to know that the number of houses proposed for the site is to be reducd from the original figure. As it is, the traffic in and out of the hectic fast-flowing Bath Road is going to be difficult.
When any housing scheme is complete, it would be good to have a commemorative plaque erected, testifying the old building’s history.
Terry Gaylard, Brickley Lane, Devizes.
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