HUNTINGDON S historic George Hall, until recently threatened with demolition, is about to get some protection. Although notices threatening to pull the 19th century building down disappeared some weeks ago, the site at the corner of George Street and St J

HUNTINGDON'S historic George Hall, until recently threatened with demolition, is about to get some protection.

Although notices threatening to pull the 19th century building down disappeared some weeks ago, the site at the corner of George Street and St John's Street on the town's ring road will shortly be included in Huntingdon's conservation area.

Huntingdonshire District Council's development control panel has already approved extending the area. All that is now needed is the cabinet's agreement on December 13.

It will mean that no wholesale demolition can take place unless planners can be persuaded that whatever replaces it will preserve or enhance the nature of the conservation area.

The building's owner, Wyton-based developer Rick Francis, could not be contacted. But he is believed to have changed his mind about pulling it down. It is currently occupied by an estate agent.

The George Hall was built as a church over 160 years ago. Its spire was removed in the 1920s. Although it was dedicated to St John the Evangelist, it was known locally as Lady Sparrow's Church after the woman who paid for it.

"It's a lovely building that people see when they go round the town," said Richard Meredith, secretary of Huntingdon and Godmanchester Civic Society.

"With the expansion of the conservation area, the buildings inside it will receive a measure of protection they don't have now.