SUPPORT to save a former World War Two building in Beaconsfield is growing after a researcher started a petition, saying she was appalled by plans for it to be replaced with a possible 350 homes.

The building on former MOD site Wilton Park has been surrounded by secrecy for its role in WWII, but has stood there since the early 1940s, a former site worker claims.

Sarah Paterson, who worked at Wilton Park from 1998, has discovered some of the history behind Shean Block while researching prisoners of war for her upcoming book.

She said: “I am appalled by the prospect of a Second World War building being demolished to build the executive housing estate on the site at Beaconsfield. “There surely should be the space and will to save a building that is representative of the important activities that went on at the site. “Because it was secret not much is generally known about this, but it was an important element of the British war effort.

“Wilton Park on the edge of Beaconsfield Old Town has been occupied by the military since 1940.

“The site played as vital a role as Bletchley Park during the Second World War but is still surrounded by secrecy.

“It would be cultural vandalism to demolish this initially temporary building, which had been in almost constant use since the War.”

A petition to save Shean Block was started a few weeks ago and now has about 300 signatures.

Since the war, the building has served as a Sergeants Mess, Russian Language Wing, Housing Offices, Examination Centre and for Media Ops.

And during the war, it is believed Shean Block was the Headquarters of Camp 20, an important prisoner of war site.

However, the land was recently sold to property developers Inland Homes who have put forward a proposal to build around 350 homes on it.

But, Ms Paterson says with Beaconsfield having no museum she hopes the building or its history can be preserved.

She added: “Showcasing the history of a site can add cachet to redevelopment, benefiting the developer, community and public at large.

“Please help to save Shean Block – or at the very least ensure it is properly researched and recorded and a memorial/heritage centre placed on the site.”

To sign the petition, please visit www.change.org and search ‘Shean Block’