CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue the fight to save Bolton's old dance hall.

An application to make the former Palais de Danse a listing building was rejected by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport earlier this month.

However, the group which made the application have now decided to appeal against the decision.

The Save Our Bolton Palais de Danse campaigners believe English Heritage's examination of the building missed vital evidence to show it should granted a graded status as a building of special architectural or historic interest by Karen Bradley MP.

Group founder Maggie Gallagher said: "I intend to appeal to The English Heritage. An error was made in the rejection.

"I sent them around 15 photos some of the inside too but they weren't very good photos, quite dark and amateurish. They were taken during the viewing we had way back in March, there was no lighting and we viewed inside by torchlight.

"I feel they have made a big mistake in refusing the Listing and hope that we can change this."

Campaigners also noted that the report had the building, located on the corner of St Georges Road and Bridge Street, down as not being in a conservation area when it lies in the Deansgate Conservation Area.

The report noted how the former Astoria Palais de Danse interior had been 'altered and modernised' when it was turned into a nightclub, becoming Cinderellas Rockerfellas, Ritzy's, Jaxx and, finally, Ikon, from 1979.

It was ruled not to grant listed status as, despite original features remaining on the exterior, there had been too many changes to the interior.

The building is owned by the Moorgarth Group with also owners the neighbouring Market Place.

Following the sale, chairman Tim Vaughn said the building faced demolition due to its "terrible state of repair".

The firm has since continued to working with Bolton Council and consider options for the site.

Campaigners continue to argue that original features still exist in the building but are hidden behind modern alterations.

Miss Gallagher said the group were continuing discussions and were putting together a business plan to argue in favour of restoring the building into a dance floor and entertainment space.