CAMPAIGNERS trying to preserve a landmark of St Neots industrial heritage will find out in the summer if they have been successful. Town councillor Steve Van De Kerkhove and historian Peter Ibbett have joined forces to safeguard the future of the ATS chi

CAMPAIGNERS trying to preserve a landmark of St Neots' industrial heritage will find out in the summer if they have been successful.

Town councillor Steve Van De Kerkhove and historian Peter Ibbett have joined forces to safeguard the future of the ATS chimney in Brook Street.

Their plans were first reported by The Hunts Post in October, but the campaign has now reached English Heritage after the pair submitted an application to have the site listed.

Cllr Van de Kerkhove said: "The chimney and wharf buildings are relics of the town's industrial heritage and deserve to be listed. They are landmarks."

The site closed as an ATS Euromaster in October last year and is now on the market for offers in excess of �350,000.

The site houses a three storey building with a one storey workshop and an annex.

Both Cllr Van De Kerkhove and Mr Ibbett believe any developer which takes on the site should be sympathetic to the history of the chimney stack, which dates back to at least 1754, and associated buildings.

"We want them listed so that they are protected for future generations to enjoy and to provide a link to our past industrial heritage" said Cllr Van De Kerkhove.

"It is important that any interested parties know how important this site is and that any future development sympathetically preserves these wonderful old buildings" he added.

The site has a varied history. It was used by miller and merchant John Powers from 1859-1862, G S Bowers of Vulcan Iron Works until 1885 and in 1914 was used to station soldiers.

A spokesman for English Heritage said the application could take up to 20 weeks.

INFORMATION: Should the ATS chimney be listed? Send your views to editor@huntspost.co.uk or write to: The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TB.