THE Sale Hotel has been granted listed status - marking the successful conclusion of a campaign to save the historic building from demolition.

Culture minister Margaret Hodge has supported an appeal by Trafford Council and residents and listed the 130-year-old Marsland Road building. She said this was in view of compelling new evidence about its architectural and historical importance.

The move comes six months after the minister indicated that she would overturn an earlier decision not to list the landmark property.

The building has now been listed at grade II.

Around 1,500 people signed a petition in the summer to oppose a developer's plans to demolish the Sale Hotel - the last remaining piece of Sale botanical gardens, a Victorian pleasure park.

The campaign to save the building was spearheaded by Sale Civic Society and concerned residents after Messenger revealed that the council had been notified of a proposal to knock it down.

Sale Civic Society's Pat Coulburn - who last year threatened to chain herself to the building if the bulldozers moved in - said she was delighted it had been given protected status.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported the campaign - all the hard work has been worth it.

"It is a lovely building and part of Sale's heritage.

"It would have been very sad if it had disappeared."

Sale East MP Paul Goggins,who threw his weight behind the campaign, said: “While this has taken some time, I am delighted that the minister has decided that in view of the compelling evidence about the architectural and historical importance of the building that the Sale Hotel will become a listed building.

"This is a real victory for local people and it will be important now for the developer to identify a new use for this building.”

Executive councillor Mike Cornes : "The council and residents worked hard to have the initial decision reviewed. We will now be working with the developers to see how this building can now be brought back into active use."