Pub in Wigan is hit by wrecking crew

Damage caused at The Balmoral in Hindley

Intruders have forced their way into the Balmoral Hotel, in Atherton Road, which has planning permission to be converted into apartments.

Four windows were smashed, within the premises and six internal doors, are also said to have been broken in half.

Two televisions have also been damaged and other parts of the building have been left affected by the raid.

A spokesman for Leigh, Atherton and Hindley Police said: “Offenders have been identified and will be dealt with.”

Police are currently involved in identifying what has been taken from the site.

Planning permission for the development, which has given Standish-based Putright Ltd authority to turn the building into nine apartments, and build a dormer extension to the rear, was only granted on July 18.

The pub had previously been placed on the market, with the freehold being offered for Â£115,000.

Several locals had expressed disappointment that another pub could close its doors in the town. Another bar, Jonesies in Market Street, was shut down after complaints to police about public safety.

But when it came to the planning application, there were no formal objections received from either neighbours of official consultees.

If the plans went ahead, three three flats would be created in what was the main pub area, with a fourth being installed in the proposed dormer. Three more have been pencilled in for the first foor and a further two in the building’s attic.

The pub burglary has come after a number of break-ins were reported by neighbourhood officers to have taken in the Hindley area recently.

Police have issued a fresh appeal for residents to ensure that their doors and windows are not left unlocked, to reduce the risk to households, especially during the recent hot weather.