TRAFFORD Heritage Society has paid tribute to Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Paul Goggins, who died on January 8.

Mr Goggins threw his weight behind the society’s successful campaign in 2009 to prevent the historic Sale Hotel being knocked down.

The society’s George Cogswell said: “Within days of being asked to support our ‘Save the Sale Hotel’ Campaign, Paul had organised a local campaign meeting.

“On our behalf, he went on to meet with the developer/owners whose only intention was to demolish this fine building.

“In between his other Parliamentary workload, Paul supported us with the petition to save this building and genuinely believed that it should be saved.

“He also used his considerable political experience and presence to support the campaign with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.”