It was a classic ‘David versus Goliath’ story, when residents of Antigonish were fighting for a say on the possible amalgamation of the town and county, according to Terry Penny from the Let Antigonish Decide Facebook group.

The saga went on for two years as residents pushed for a vote.

The province announced Thursday, the bill will not be proceeding.

Legislation moved ahead last month for the town and county to merge into one municipal unit, however, pushing for their voices to be heard, dozens spoke at the legislature.

Minister John Lohr said the department of municipal affairs and housing heard from a significant number of people and simply cannot “ignore the voice of the residents.”

Penny told our newsroom they are ecstatic.

“The government recognized that the process was flawed from its inception, that the people were not included in this…they realized that the bill was not the appropriate step for them to take.”

Penny added that it’s a ‘pure victory’ for the voice of people in their communities.

There were over 500 people at the town hall meeting Tuesday night with Premier Tim Houston to discuss the matter.

The merger was on pause for the Utility and Review Board to investigate its effect on taxes.