A FORMER mayor of Worcester is urging residents to support his battle to save a 19th Century building threatened with demolition.

Councillor Derek Prodger wants to see 1-3 Hylton Road, which is owned by the council, turned into a museum of local history.

But council officers have recommended that the building be demolished and the land incorporated into Cripplegate Park.

"It is worth more than a bulldozer. If we demolish this building we will be raping the city of its character," said Coun Prodger.

"We have removed far too many buildings of quality and keeping this property is a chance for us to preserve some of the city's character."

He is appealing for a benefactor to come forward with the money to refurbish the building and turn it into a museum.

"At one time, the Severn was the second busiest river in Europe, and this location saw substantial riverside activity.

"This building is what remains of the activities of the past and I believe that it should be used to house a museum. I think it would be of tremendous fascination to the public and tourists," he said.

In June this year, Cabinet members followed a recommendation from council officers and voted in favour of bulldozing the building, which dates back to the mid-1800s.

But at a recent meeting of the planning committee, members said they were against demolition.

Mark Middleton, head of planning and economic development for the council, said the building, which used to house the council's planning department, had been leased as offices but was difficult to let.

"The layout is difficult - it is like a rabbit warren, and low floor levels make it liable to flood most winters.''

The building would not be demolished until planning permission for extending the park had been granted.

These proposals are currently being drawn up and are expected to go before the planning committee later this year.

Any plans to demolish the building would also have to be referred to the Secretary of State for approval because it falls within the riverside conservation area.

Planning officers are preparing a more detailed report on the property for the planning committee which will discuss its future again at their next meeting on Thursday, September 5.