TRIMLEY ST MARY: Community action has brought the fight to save a historic local landmark one step closer as residents voiced ideas on how to preserve it.

Trimley rail station’s Victorian premises have been in danger of demolition since Network Rail announced plans to get rid of the building in 2009.

But following the outcry at a public meeting and formation of an action group, Friends of Trimley Station, the company agreed to shelve the plans if residents could find a viable use for the former station.

And the community did not disappoint. Suffolk Coastal District Council issued a questionnaire to residents of Trimley St Mary as well as other interested parties to gather their ideas on future uses for the building, and the results have just been collated.

Councillor Andy Smith, cabinet member for planning, said: “We have received a really good number of responses to the questionnaires and have a good range of information to use to draw up a finalised business plan to present to Network Rail, the building’s owners, in December.

“There was a great deal of support for using the building for a community and young persons’ meeting place and an internet caf�.”

Suffolk ACRE has also been working with the friends group to put together a business plan outlining the future use of the station, which they will present to Network Rail by the end of the year in the hope they can take over the building’s lease.