PROTESTORS succeded in halting work to demolish a building in Blackwood yesterday.

Locals were shocked when contractors showed up at Highbury House to demolish the old swimming pool, conservatory and two of the outbuildings at around 8.10am.

Plans for a drug and drink rehabilitation centre are going to an appeal after they were rejected by Caerphilly council, but developers Fairlake Properties said they were demolishing some buildings for health and safety reasons.

Locals believed an asbestos survey still needed to be done before this work could be carried out.

Carol Morris, 51, of Highbury Drive, had parked her car outside the gates overnight and refused to move it out the way for the workers.

Mrs Morris rallied together with seven other locals to make a stand and the workers left by 9.15am.

Mrs Morris said: "I was concerned about our health and safety. I live here with my two children and I want to know what grade of asbestos is in that building before they demolish it."

Fairlake Properties say the survey has been completed and that demolishing the buildings would not cause a health risk.

They say they sent out letters informing locals of the demolition, but residents say they never received them.

Councillor Kevin Etheridge, of Blackwood, said: "I'm appalled there has been no consultation, they seem to be ploughing ahead regardless of residents concerns."

A spokesman for Fairlake Properties said the contractors wanted to pull down the buildings because the deteriorating structures could be potentially dangerous for any trespassers.

The spokesman said the work would not continue yesterday, and said they are still considering when they will next go in to demolish the building.

Controversial plans to build a rehabilitation centre on the site are still awaiting approval, but the spokesman said Fairlake Properties are within their legal rights to demolish the outbuildings because it is on their property.