MP calls for investigation into demolition of listed building pub.
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has called for a “thorough investigation” into how a renowned listed building in his constituency was demolished without any apparent warning.
The Punch Bowl, a once thriving pub and restaurant on the outskirts of Hurst Green, near Longridge was demolished last week. It dated back to the late 18th century.
There were reports that during the demolition there had been one digger on site, a lorry at the roadside and a woman directing traffic by the building, which had fallen into disrepair in recent years. The site, which is now reduced to rubble, has since been fenced off.
The MP who is also Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, said: “I’m absolutely horrified by it. This is a historic pub dating back centuries.
This needs to be looked at as a matter of urgency to ensure other similar buildings are not going to meet the same fate. They [Ribble Valley Borough Council] need to look at what measures they can take – the ultimate is if it can get rebuilt. I know they’re doing a full enquiry. We can’t have historic things like this just knocked down.”
On a wider issue, he said that buildings left unused could fall into decay, adding: “That’s the problem – it’s not surprising (they) get decay.
That must not be a back route used to have buildings of historic interest demolished.”
