A HISTORIC Blackrod pub has given a stay of execution — after plans to demolish the building were withdrawn at the eleventh hour.

The Red Lion, in Church Street, was due to go before Bolton Council's planning committee, but the plans were withdrawn by developers.

Developers Crompton Enterprises Ltd had applied to build five three bedroom family homes on the site.

In plans submitted to the council, the developers claimed that the loss of the pub would have "no adverse impact" on residents.

Residents have greeted the news of the withdrawal with caution — as developers have not ruled out further work on the site in the future.

John Price, a Blackrod resident and chairman of the Blackrod and Horwich Environmental Action Group, said: "It is confusing in one sense, because a lot of people don't want to see the building go and see the business go.

"There doesn't appear to be any reason why it has been withdrawn. Whether it has been because of the backlash from residents, I don't know. It also may be that they may come back with some other plans aimed at appeasing the concerns of residents."

Harry Jackson, of Harry Jackson Surveyors, the agent working on behalf of the developers, said: "There has been a lot of complaints from residents about the plans, and my client is currently having a rethink."

Residents previously said they would be heartbroken if the pub, which is thought to date back to at least 1841, were demolished.

At a meeting of the Blackrod Town Council last month, which was attended by about a dozen residents, councillors were unanimously opposed to the development after it was put to a vote.

A number of pub regulars were also present at the meeting and have been campaigning to keep the pub open.

The developers report submitted to the council claimed that the pub has been trading at a loss for several years, which has been affected by the "overall downward trend" related to pubs, a claim rejected by regulars at the meeting.