History buffs have welcomed plans to save one of Heston's few remaining architectural gems after plans to pull down a school were defeated.

A furious response from residents, who feared further erosion of the town's fast diminshing heritage, has forced planning chiefs into a rethink over plans to demolish Heston Infant and Nursery School in Heston Road as part a multi-million pound regeneration of three schools.

The distinctive stone building will now form part of a new dining room for pupils at neighbouring Heston Community School.

Pam Robbins, of Oxford Avenue, Heston, was among the visitors to last Tuesday's public exhibition at Heston Children's Centre and said: "I'm very glad they've saved the Infants School because there are so few historic buildings left. But it worries me that they're spending all this money without increasing the number of places for pupils."

Building work is scheduled to begin this Christmas, and should be completed in 2011, if the plans get the green light.

For the full story and pictures of the plans see the Hounslow Chronicle, out on Thursday.