Public pressure has paid off as plans to demolish a historic pavilion have been withdrawn.

Trustees of the Braintree and Bocking Recreation Ground, on John Ray Street, have completed a U-turn after a campaign from residents.

The pavilion, along with the Braintree and Bocking Recreation Ground, were donated to residents of the district in 1927 by William Julien Courtauld.

Trustees now plan to work with residents to agree a productive and constructive use for the site to benefit the community.

Braintree resident Aidan Kelly set up an online campaign. He said: “I am very pleased, we have a long way to go but this is very positive.

“Immediately the Facebook group and campaign got a lot of support, it was a little surprising, but fantastic to see the community get onboard.

“It has all been really good feedback and hopefully the trustees have listened.” The pavilion is classed as a “non-designated heritage asset of high significance”.

This means it is a building with a degree of significance and this must be considered in any planning decision.

Although the pavilion is in a poor condition, it is not deemed to be in a state of disrepair. Mr Kelly added: “Really, I see it as a multi use venue for sport and recreation. There is the possibility of it being used as a venue for functions, we would like to see it used as a cafe when the recreation ground is in use.

“The aim is to bring it back into community use for everyone.

“It should be something that the town can be proud of, rather than sitting there neglected. We want to work with trustees to return pride to the site.”

The trustees were contacted for a comment.