THE Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard has backed a step to protect its former offices in Dyer Street, Cirencester.

The distinctive and beautiful building, which was built as a newspaper office in 1904, has been empty since newspaper staff moved to new premises.

Now Cotswold District Council has served a special notice that ensures changes cannot be made to the building without a planning application.

Newsquest Media, which publishes the Standard and owns the building, supports the move.

In a statement, the company said: "The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard office is a landmark in Cirencester and worth protecting, particularly its prominent, stylised frontage."

The newspaper's staff now have new digital technology which means they have less need to operate from a traditional office in the town centre. The paper itself, though, continues to thrive and serve the people of the area has it has for generations.

The Dyer Street office was designed by VA Lawson, an influential local architect who was responsible for other important buildings in Cirencester, such as the former Bingham Library.

Cllr Mark MacKenzie-Charrington, Cotswold District Council's cabinet member for heritage and design issues, said:

“The council considers that 74 Dyer Street contributes very strongly to the character of the Conservation Area and the local townscape – visually, architecturally and historically.”

Standard journalists can be contacted via news@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk. For advertising inquiries call 01285 642642.