A FAMOUS Bolton pub is set to be demolished.

Plans have been put forward to knock down The Rocket pub in New Lane, Breightmet and redevelop it as a Spar Convenience store.

The Bolton News understands that the pub’s brewery Marston’s is prepared to sell the site and Spar is willing to move in.

If approved, the new convenience store would open on the 273sq m area where the pub stands and would include 16 parking spaces.

The shop will open seven days a week from 6am until 11pm and there are plans for an ATM machine at the front of the store.

The developer's planning application refers to instances of anti-social behaviour at the pub — including in December last year when a 37-year-old man was attacked in the toilets.

But residents have a different opinion of The Rocket, including 29-year-old Karla Hornby who had a baby three-months prematurely while on holiday in Benidorm earlier this year.

A Rocket regular, Karla said she is “absolutely gutted” at the prospect of her favourite pub being knocked down.

She said: “I am devastated, my christening was held at The Rocket and all of my family events since then — my mum and dad got married there.”

When Karla was eventually able to bring tiny Freddie home from Benidorm this summer, she held a party to thank all her friends and family for their support at the pub.

She added: “I know its had a bit of trouble in the past, but all pubs do — The Rocket does a lot for the local community and I can’t believe it might be going.”

Current landlord John Rothwell, aged 62, has run the pub for the past 21 years. He believes it opened in 1963 and has served the community well since then.

He said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the pub and the locals here have been really friendly towards us — it's a good pub.

“We have struggled a bit, like all pubs have done in recent years, but we have always had a few locals.

“I would like to say thanks to everyone for their support, I have made a good few friends here over the years.”

Within the planning application, the developer refers to instances of anti-social behaviour at the pub — including in December last year when a 37-year-old man was attacked in the toilets.

The application has been sent to Bolton Council’s planning department for consideration, with the developer describing it as a “high-quality, sustainable development” which will not result in “any adverse impacts” on the local houses or highways.