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Developers ordered to rebuild historic pub brick by brick after they destroyed it
A group of property developers have been ordered to rebuild a listed pub after they destroyed it without permission.
The Punch Bowl Inn, a Grade II listed pub located on Longridge Road in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, was reduced to rubble in June 2021 after the developers ‘grew tired’ of waiting for permission. They must now put it back together brick by brick and have to pay a hefty fine.
Donelan Trading Ltd and contractor Percliff Ltd claimed the building had fallen into disrepair and had been targeted by arsonists since it closed in 2012, and bought the site in 2015. Ribble Valley Council said it had made efforts to engage but the group ignored the warnings.
Now five defendants have been fined a combined total of more than £20,000 at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court after they were found guilty of various offences following a trial. Andrew Donelan, 61, Nicola Donelan, 59, Rebecca Donelan, 29, all of of Carr Hall, Wilpshire, David John Cotterell, 58, of Percliff Way, Blackburn, and Brian Ingleby, 70, of Hollowhead Avenue in Blackburn, were all found to have unlawfully demolished the pub.
All but Rebecca Donelan were also found to have demolished a listed building without giving the local authority notice of their intention and without the local authority having given them notice to do so. The pub was built in the 1720s and visited by highwaymen Ned King and Dick Turpin.
Turpin and King are said to have stayed for three days after which Turpin travelled on to York while King attacked travellers on the local roads, assisted by landlord Jonathan Brisco. King was executed in 1741 and his ghost was said to haunt the pub.
Ghost tour guide Simon Entwistle said he was ‘devastated’ to see diggers destroying the historic Punch Bowl. Mr Entwistle said what he saw left him ‘shocked’ and ‘deeply saddened’, as he told The Lancashire Telegraph: “Mechanical diggers were reducing the building to rubble.
“I thought what a shame to see all that history destroyed forever. It was shocking and deeply saddening to me to go around the corner and see it. The people on the tour had come from Bristol and were enjoying the tour. They were witnesses to what happened that day too.
“This is the first time I have ever come across something like this. Seeing such a beautiful building being brought to the ground – it was very sad. It was a big hit with people, many famous ghost hunters came to the building, even people from America. It was said to be one of the most haunted inns in the North West.”
As reported by ITV News, David Lawson, defending, told the court the group were worried the building, in Hurst Green, had become unsafe over time. He said they believed its state had declined over the years and had been broken into and targeted by arsonists. He also said the defendants alleged Ribble Valley Council had not acted properly or fast enough, as they became frustrated with apparent delays.
However, Killian Garvey, representing Ribble Valley Council, said borough planning staff had communicated professionally and had made efforts to engage with the group. But they ignored various warnings, including from Historic England, and demolished the pub without permission. They also failed to have a proper road closure.
A previous hearing at Burnley Magistrates’ Court heard a key witness, construction firm boss Gez Pegram, tell a jury that there had been ‘no need’ to demolish the pub. The court agreed Ribble Valley Council was justified in wanting its full costs reimbursed for the work linked to the Punch Bowl Inn action, and that the council had acted correctly.
At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, Donelan Trading Ltd was fined £12,000, handed a £1,200 court surcharge and ordered to pay £20,000 towards costs. A total of £33,200.
- Andrew Donelan, as an individual person, received a £2,000 fine, a £200 surcharge and told to pay £2,000 towards costs.
- Nicola Donelan was given a £1,000 fine, a £100 surcharge and ordered to pay £1,000 costs.
- Rebecca Donelan received a lower £200 fine, a £25 surcharge and told to pay £250 towards costs.
- Purcliff Ltd was fined £5,600, had a £560 surcharge and told to pay £20,000 towards costs.
- Brian Ingleby was fined £1,000, given a £100 surcharge and charged £1,000.
- David John Cotterell was fined £400, given a £40 surcharge and has to pay £400 towards costs.
The businesses were told to pay fines, surcharges and costs soon while the individuals were given slightly longer periods to repay. An order has been made that The Punch Bowl Inn must also be rebuilt and restored inside and out — through a separate planning process .
News
First image released of £75 million Trafford surf park amid two-year delay
The project is to be known ‘Modern Surf Manchester’
A specialist team has taken over the project, which has been delayed by two years, to deliver the £75 million inland surf park at TraffordCity.
Tartan Leisure – the organisation behind the soon-to-be-complete Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh – have announced they will take over the construction of the water park from the McKinney Group.
It will be the first inland surf attraction in the North of England and is set to be a ‘must see’ for surf enthusiasts, according to waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters, which is overseeing the huge development.
The attraction will use inland surfing technology, ‘Powered by Wavegarden’, the world leader in man-made wave-generating technologies.
The project is to be known as ‘Modern Surf Manchester’ and will see perfect waves for beginners, learners and professionals alike to test their skills.
Early designs of the plans feature a surfing lagoon, bar and restaurant facilities and other interactive attractions for visitors and surfers such as a pump track and fitness zone, a halfpipe/boarding area and exercise areas including bouldering and balancing zones.
Planning permission was approved for the new surf destination’s plans back in 2021. Once completed, the attraction is said to create up to 140 new full-time jobs.
Peel says the surf park will ‘further enhance TraffordCity’s expanding portfolio of sport-based leisure and experience offerings’– which includes skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, rock climbing and golf.
Tartan Leisure founder, Andy Hadden, said: “There has been an enormous rise in popularity for surfing over recent years with proven benefits to our overall health and wellness.
“The Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh is on track to open next September and the response and appetite that we have seen from the public has been phenomenal.
“Now, we are excited to work in partnership with Peel Waters and bring over a decade of our knowledge and expertise to support the development of an inland surfing facility to TraffordCity.
“This will be a very exciting addition to an already incredible combined retail and experienced-based leisure destination for all to enjoy.”
The estimated time of the build will take approximately two years once the team start work on site.
News
Deal or No Deal fans raise over £100k for contestant with MND who only won £5
Brad can now complete his bucket list
Viewers of popular game show Deal or No Deal have raised thousands of pounds to help a contestant with Motor Neurone Disease who only won a fiver.
Brad Wale told host Stephen Mulhern that if he won then he would use the money to help his family and also attempt to complete his bucket list.
In an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Mr Wale said: “I still listen to it back and watch it back and I can feel the tears coming on.
“I had every intention of winning big and I genuinely thought I would. To get to that moment and only receive £5, it was absolutely heartbreaking and devastating.”
After he walked away with just five pounds from the show, fellow contestant Rochelle Brown, 30, launched a fundraiser to help his dreams come true. Within days, thousands of pounds in donations came flooding in to help Mr Wale.
The GoFundMe page called ‘Help Brad get his bucket list’ smashed its £20,000 target in just a matter of days. At time of writing, it has raised a huge £106,000.
On the page, Ms Brown writes: “Hi! I’m Rochelle, Brad’s friend from Deal or No Deal! I’m sure you all saw Brads devastating game on Deal or No Deal.
“His DOND family really want him to fulfil his dreams and we have set this up on the hope that anyone could maybe spare a couple of pounds and get Brad to tick some bits off his Bucket List. We love you Brad.”
Mr Wale said: “I met Rochelle on my first ever audition for Deal or No Deal, when we got to filming and she was there, I was over the moon.
“We got put together opening the boxes and just formed a great friendship. Rochelle set a target, I just thought a few family members and friends would donate.
“From last Thursday the response I have had is something I could never put into words, from the bottom of my heart it means the world and I can never say thank you enough.
“You’ll never understand how much this has changed my life.”
When asked about his bucket list, Mr Wale continued: “I’ve always wanted to go to India, Thailand, just going to see places really I’ve also always wanted to do a bungee jump.
“Just to be able to wake up and think I can go and do this, or that. I’ve never had that I’ve always been skint.”
Adding: “I feel honoured blessed and guilty all at the same time, so to be given this kindness to me, is just nothing I would ever expect.”
MND is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets progressively worse over time. There’s no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life.
Issuing an update on the fundraising page yesterday, Ms Brown wrote: “Hello everyone, I didn’t think that I would be updating SO MANY OF YOU!
“I just want to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are all incredible. You have changed Brads life and I will never be able to say thank you enough.
“We are wishing you all a very merry Christmas and HAPPY HEALTHY new year.
“You have done an amazing thing for Brad and you should all be so proud of yourselves for your kindness. Xxx.”
News
Manchester libraries to open as ‘warm spaces’ as temperatures drop
Keep warm and stay connected
Libraries across Manchester are offering warm spaces for people seeking refuge from the cold this winter.
The initiative will see every library in Manchester transformed into ‘warm spaces’ where individuals of all ages can go inside, take cover from the elements, have warm drinks and access facilities.
Here’s what to expect at libraries across Manchester as they become welcoming warm hubs this winter…
Free hot beverages
Hot cups of tea and coffee will be available for those who are seeking respite from the cold. Self-service drinks will be free as well as warm and cosy spaces for those to rest, meet friendly people and keep warm. Hot drinks are available now until February 2024.
Access to computers, internet and Wi-Fi services
Libraries offer computer hubs where users can access computers and connect to the internet and Wi-Fi services ensuring everyone can get online without worrying about costs. Staff will be on hand to assist and help with any questions.
Family-friendly activities
Families and children are welcome to keep warm in libraries across Manchester, with six local libraries offering a little something extra.
Forum Library in Wythenshawe, Longsight Library, Newton Heath Library, North City Library in Harpurhey, Powerhouse Library in Moss Side, and Withington Library are offering a selection of toys and games for children to play with, suitable from ages 0 to 12+.
Families can enjoy time together in a safe, educational and positive environment.
Free SIM cards with access to data
Recognising the challenges faced by those struggling to pay for data, all Manchester libraries are now providing free sim cards loaded with free data.
Residents over 18 years old can acquire these sims, ensuring six months of free internet access without any monthly top-up requirements. To obtain your free sim, simply visit your local library.
Digital support drop-ins
For individuals who have internet access but lack the skills or confidence to use it effectively, help is available with weekly drop-in sessions.
In collaboration with Let’s Get Digital, libraries are offering the digital drop-ins one day a week. To join a session simply text 07860 064128 for assistance and guidance.
Age-Friendly Libraries drop-ins
Manchester’s libraries have achieved ‘Age Friendly Libraries’ status, proudly displaying the new Manchester Age Friendly Library Logo.
Older residents are invited to attend weekly Age Friendly drop-ins at various library locations, providing an opportunity to meet people and socialise with others, have access to information and take part in engaging activities.
Residents will be welcomed by friendly faces with staff available to offer assistance.
Warm Hubs for families and people of all ages
Throughout the winter Manchester’s libraries are not just places containing books where visitors can go to obtain knowledge, they are also community hubs offering a place of warmth, connectivity, and support for all residents.
So, if you need a place to come in from the cold, enjoy some company, access digital and online facilities, books, a family-friendly space or simply a comfortable place to spend your day, come in from the cold – your local library welcomes you.
Find something to do in Manchester
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