Local Government Super, owners of Bridge Plaza, last month lodged a development application to extend its car park in a proposed redevelopment of the centre.

Set to go in the development is the former Ned Kelly Bargains store in Clyde Street, as well as the Clyde River Motel.

Mrs Butt is appealing for a full 

pardon – or at least a stay of execution – for the Ned Kelly building, which was built in 1869 by Francis Guy.

“The fate of this old store/

warehouse, that has served the community since 1869 on that spot, to end up rubble is such a disgrace,” Mrs Butt said.

“If we were all living in the times of Ned Kelly this would be a serious discussion amongst the community.

“Yes, Ned was a villain, but as time passes we are able to understand why he became the villain he was.

“The establishment drove him and his family to it. Why? To survive.

“Once again, the establishment has put the noose around Ned’s neck and we let them pull the trapdoor lever.”

Mrs Butt said that when past owners opened the store and named it Ned Kelly Bargains, they had no idea of the significance of the building or of the house next door.

“The more senior members of the community have such wonderful memories and stories of what life was like in Clyde Street,” she said.

“Today it is like people are embarrassed to walk down the street and they leave it for the tourist to wander around.

“Ask yourself, if we don’t have tourists to shop in these shopping centres, then why do we need to lose our history to their car parks?

“If you are not happy with what is going to happen, then write to the Village Centre management, and the general manager of the Eurobodalla Shire Council, before September 16 and say you want to register your objections to DA 87/16.”