Demolition work has begun at Wiltshire Council’s former Bradley Road offices in Trowbridge, with nearby residents still concerned by what the future holds for the site.

The council intends to put the land up for sale as part of a cost-cutting exercise in which it will close 95 buildings and operate just three main hubs.

The council estimates that knocking down the Bradley Road offices, which closed in 2012, will save about £450 a day in council tax and national non-domestic rates.

But neighbouring residents have been disappointed by the time that it has taken for the demolition, during which it has suffered vandalism.

Wiltshire and Trowbridge councillor Graham Payne, who represents the area, said: “If it had to come down, then we were of the opinion that the sooner it did the better to stop further vandalism. The council are not telling me what their preferred option is for the site.”

Residents are disappointed with a lack of communication over work on the site and have stated they would prefer to see a care home built there.

Celia Waghorn, of Bradley Road, said: “Something like Florence Court would be very reasonable, or we’d welcome something residential as opposed to any kind of retail.

“You couldn’t have anymore retail in Bradley Road, as the town centre would become a ghost town.”

The council’s downsizing will create 18 campuses in communities across the county, and a spokesman said: “The site willbe marketed later this year, part of our transformation programme which is reducing the number of office buildings we own or lease.”