CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Formby Hall from demolition have refused to claim victory despite Wigan Council's refusal of an application to knock down the popular community hub.

An application by Formby Hall Limited, which bought the hall from Rose Leisure, was refused by Wigan Council this month after officers decided not enough information had been provided on the future of the site.

The decision was welcomed by some, including MP Chris Green, but others remain pessimistic about the hall’s future, saying the decision was based on a lack of information and not an objection to the principle idea of demolishing the building.

Former councillor Norman Bradbury, who is also a founding member of the Formby Hall Community Trust, said he remained concerned that a further application could still be approved. He said: “It still doesn’t signify victory for me.

“The council has just sent it back for more information, it was refused on the grounds of not enough information. If they come back with a more detailed plan on what they’ll do with the site, it could be approved. It’s a technicality.”

Mr Green was more upbeat about the decision, adding that the community must now work to get the community hub open.

The hall’s future has been in doubt since Wigan Council decided to withdraw an annual subsidy of £150,000 that was used to support five civic venues, including Formby Hall.

A petition submitted with a total of 4,229 signatures and backed by the Campaign for Real Ale led the council to designate the hall an asset of community value.

According to the council, the designation would give community groups the chance to stall any sale or demolition to allow them to put their own bids together.

But Mr Bradbury raised questions about the decision as the building has already been sold to a private company.

In a letter to residents, the council’s deputy chief executive Paul McKevitt said the demolition required prior approval which would not be given unless full details of the demolition and restoration plans were given.

A spokesman for Hillside Housing Association claimed the planning decision had not been refused and the council had simply asked for more information which would be provided within the next few days.