The demolition of former Wiltshire Council offices in Bradley Road, Trowbridge, could take place within months before the site is sold.

Wiltshire Council says knocking the buildings down will save £450 a day in council tax and national non domestic rates.

The site is not yet on the market, but it is expected to be soon with the land being sold as part of Wiltshire Council’s project to get rid of unwanted buildings.

Wiltshire Councillor Stuart Wheeler, cabinet member for hubs, heritage and arts, governance and support services, said: “The disposal of Bradley Road is part of the campus project and it is essential we dispose of buildings such as these for the maximum we can.”

The site is part of Wiltshire and Trowbridge Town Councillor Graham Payne’s ward and he said his constituents don’t want the land to be used for retail.

He said: “A retail development would bring increased traffic and cause further damage to the economy of Trowbridge town centre. Given the council wants to sell to the highest bidder, you do fear that it might be retail that comes in.”

Cllr Payne has polled 120 residents in the area with 102 wanting to see a care home built. Support was also given to new a housing development as a second choice.

Residents also want a community centre on the land.

Wiltshire Council is working with property agent Carter Jonas to market the site and Cllr Wheeler said a residential development would be one of the preferred options for the site.

Cllr Payne said: “Through this demolition we need to ensure we avoid having another Mount Crushmore on the edge of town. We don’t want another festering eyesore like that for years without anything being done.”

Wiltshire and Melksham Without Parish Councillor Terry Chivers , meanwhile, has called on Wiltshire Council to rent out empty ex-caretakers’ homes at the empty Bradley Road site as well at Melksham’s former George Ward School.

Cllr Chivers wants them to be offered to people on the housing waiting list.

He said: “To leave any home in Wiltshire that could house a family is a total disgrace. The property at Bradley Road would make a nice home for family and it’s a scandal to leave it empty.

“I find it very annoying that we have people crying out for houses and we’ve got these ones going vacant.”

It is thought the house on the Bradley Road site will be knocked down when any demolition works starts.