Bats save boathouse

A DERELICT Boathouse in Back of Avon at Tewkesbury cannot be demolished as it houses bats.

No longer used and in a bad state of repair, HSBC bank wanted to demolish it, as it is has been empty for years, and would be too expensive to repair, but permission was refused by the council's conservation officer as bats have been seen flying around it.

The building, that is not listed, known as the Boathouse, is owned by the bank, that has no use for it, and was something of an eye sore, but it now remains, many feel, spoiling the street.