AN eleventh-hour battle to save the historic centre-piece of Cirencester's former cattle market has been won by the aristocracy.

But it is uncertain exactly where the 19th century structure will go as contractors dismantle it and put it into storage.

Lord and Lady Apsley of Cirencester Park staged a protest as diggers moved in to demolish the former market office on Monday morning.

Cotswold District Council contractors are clearing the site to make way for the new Cirencester Leisure Centre.

And, in a heated discussion in front of regional media, the council's corporate director Andrew Grant told the couple it was too late and the office building was due to be demolished.

At one stage Lady Apsley threatened to chain herself to the fences surrounding the structure.

But, as a result of last-minute discussions between Lord Apsley and contractor David Horton, workers are now dismantling the building brick-by-brick and it will be reconstructed elsewhere.

Bathurst Estate heir Lord Apsley, whose family originally constructed the building, said: "I'm very pleased we've safeguarded it but what we do with it now is the next question.

"Option number one was to save it in its exact location, option two was to try and relocate it within the livestock market site, option three was to look at ways of moving it into the town centre and number four was to take it down and put it into storage, which is what we've got."

The building, which dates back to 1867, formed the centre of the old market but its future was decided when permission was granted for the leisure centre scheme in March 2003, following a public consultation period.

Lord and Lady Apsley said they had only realised the 'full enormity' of the situation when they were told the building would be pulled down this week.

But they say it is a lasting reminder of the market's heritage and were determined to save it.

Council chief executive Bob Austin said delays to the leisure centre would cost the local taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds.

He also said there had been wide consultation with organisations such as the Cirencester Civic Society and English Heritage over the design of the new centre.

He added: "Although we were surprised that the Apsleys waited until the 11th hour to try and save this building, we understand the depth of feeling the family has about its history and its links to the Bathurst Estate.

"How stone from the building is used in the future is a matter for Lord Apsley and the contractors."

Lady Apsley said: "We were both quite surprised to hear the council's claims to have stepped in and made a magnanimous gesture when it was actually my husband's idea."