Speaking after today’s decision to grant prior approval for the demolition of Formby Hall, Bolton West & Atherton MP, Chris Green, said:
“This is a disappointing decision but one not completely unexpected given that the Inspector could only look at aspects of the demolition process rather than how the sale of Formby Hall was dealt with.
“I am convinced that if the Inspector had had the power to look at how a much-loved community hall could have been left under Wigan Council to go to rack and ruin and then sold in such an underhand manner, then he may have found cause for concern.
“While I’m disappointed by this decision, I would like to pay tribute to the hard work by local people, Atherton Residents’ Association and Councillor Jamie Hodgkinson without whom we wouldn’t have been able to take this campaign as far as we have.
“This is yet another example of our town being dismantled and sold off by this Labour-run Wigan Council. Formby Hall was a much-loved and well-used community hub and it will be heart-breaking to see it knocked down 100 years after it was first gifted to the people of Atherton.”
Proposals to demolish Formby Hall, Alder Street, Atherton where called-in by the Secretary of State earlier this year following a request by Chris Green MP.