THE Secretary of State will ‘call-in’ the application to demolish Formby Hall - it has been revealed.

Yesterday the planning committee approved the demolition of Formby Hall, put forward by Hilldale Housing Association.

However in a dramatic turnaround the decision once again hangs in the balance, as it will now be decided by the Secretary of State rather than Local Authority.

MP for Bolton West Chris Green said: "I’m absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has recognised just how important Formby Hall is and has agreed to use his powers to ‘call-in’ this application after my letter to him before Christmas.

"Everyone knows that Formby Hall was gifted to the people of Atherton and it is simply wrong that Wigan Council ever granted permission to knock it down.

"This is down to the hard work of Atherton Residents Associations, councillors like Jamie Hodgkinson and all the local people who have fought against these plans to knock down our community hub.

"I’d also like to thank the Minister for taking the time to look into this important issue.

"This is not the end and it does not guarantee that Formby Hal will be save but I am looking forward to seeing the results of this new independent inquiry."