A HIGHBRIDGE councillor has spoken of his shock as it was recently announced that a demolition order has been issued to a Highbridge landmark.

Highbridge Gospel Tabernacle Church in Newtown Road has been given a demolition order by Sedgemoor District Council and could be demolished without public consultation.

Councillor John Parkes says that the announcement was a shock in the local community and that he does have concerns about the plans.

He said:"Highbridge Gospel Tabernacle Church is a lovely building and it is a real shame that it may be demolished.

"I do have concerns about what the building may be replaced with if it is demolished and hope that it is in keeping with new building projects that have taken place in Highbridge.

"The church is a rich cultural hotspot for Highbridge and I have had a lot of Highbridge residents voice their concerns to me in the community.

"An online Facebook page has also been set up and whole heartedly voiced their concerns about what will replace the beloved building.

"I just hope that the building if it is demolished is replaced with a building that is keeping with Highbridge's current building projects."

The councillor also visited the home of a resident whose house is attached to the church and has fears of damage being done to existing properties in the area.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "Highbridge Gospel Tabernacle Church – it is privately owned.

Sedgemoor District Council received an application for a demolition order.

"It is an advisory form, not for us to approve or not.

"It is not a listed building or in a conservation area and the owner of the building has to apply to us for a demolition order."

The building has a rich history and was initially built as a Seaman's mission.

It closed in the early 1950's but reopened in 1973 and was a very popular place with children and young people.

The building has remained disused since 1998 after it's first service on Easter Sunday.

Sedgemoor District Council has not yet announced a demolition date for the church.