THE demolition of Bingley's former courthouse and one-time police station is set to go ahead.

Cottingley-based Cox 22 Ltd bought the premises, in Bradford Road, earlier this year.

At the time, director Donald Jaggar, said considerable work would be needed to restore the property as it had fallen into a “very poor” state of repair and would require gutting due to its “awful” condition.

The company lodged a note with Bradford Council to determine whether prior approval for the demolition would be required.

This week, the Council determined it was not required.

A number of comments were left in response to the plans, with many fearing a part of the town's history would be forever lost.

Mel Frances, of Riddlesden, Keighley, wrote: “Bingley will soon be a town of modern supermarkets without character. The demolition of an historic building like this would be a disgrace.

“Towns need to celebrate and use their heritage, not destroy it.”