'Unsafe' historic pub building to be demolished

Heritage campaigners wanted to save the building, which has been empty since 2016

A derelict former pub thought to be the oldest alehouse building in Preston is set to be demolished, despite a long campaign to save it.

Preston City Council had intended to knock down The Tithebarn, which closed in 2016, in its entirety after it was deemed to be in a dangerous condition.

But the local authority's plan was paused after an assessment by Preserving Preston's Heritage (PPH) found part of the building could be saved and turned into a heritage centre.

However, in a new planning meeting, councillors unanimously decided that the building was too dangerous to have any future and must be demolished.

Councillor Harry Leadless said: "It's very sad, it's yet another landmark that will have to go."

'No option'

But he added it would cost the authority "an absolute fortune" to rebuild.

Fellow councillor Ben Ward said he hoped the process would inspire the authority "to make sure other buildings are given a push and use this loss as a push to save others".

Councillor Lynne Brookes said there was imply "no option to preserve the pub".

Preserving Preston's Heritage were left disappointed and said they would attempt to appeal against the decision.

Spokeswoman Rachael Bryson said: "It's perhaps the oldest building in Preston that is still surviving and if we could get it back to a date that's been suggested of 1711 it is the oldest pub building here in Preston.

"If we're prepared to lose that, what does that say about other buildings that are at risk in Preston?"

No timescale was given at the meeting for any demolition to take place.