WORK to demolish a Victorian pub in Altrincham has got underway.

The 117-year-old Bridge Inn, on Moss Lane, is being knocked down to make way for a proposed £100m redevelopment - known as Altair - of the Oakfield Road car park area.

Sue Nichols, the co-ordinator for the heritage of the Altrincham area projects, believes the town has lost a slice of its history.

But developer Nikal told a recent public inquiry it is essential to demolish the Bridge Inn and the neighbouring ATS Euromaster garage in order for its Altair project to go ahead.

And Trafford Council, which recently bought the Bridge Inn, said this week that the pub needed to be demolished and the surrounding area redeveloped as part of plans to revitalise Altrincham.

Sue, though, said of the demolition of the Bridge Inn: "It is of great regret that another of Altrincham's characterful and historic landmarks is being demolished. Buildings like this make the town distinctive and in most other places, they are now imaginatively incorporated into modern schemes and seen as a positive asset.

“It had become a run-down pub, but as we are seeing at St Anne's Home in Bowdon, these old buildings can be restored and reused effectively, contributing to the Victorian splendour.

“The Bridge Inn would have been featured on the forthcoming heritage trail, but now it is gone forever."

She pointed out that the council also bought and demolished historic Oakfield House, to make way for the proposed development.

Trafford Council’s corporate director of economic growth and prosperity, Nick Gerrard, confirmed everyone involved is keen to ensure the future prosperity of Altrincham town centre.

He said: “Over recent years there has been significant work involving the council and all its partners to ensure a viable, future plan to see Altrincham move forward and re-establish itself as a first-class north west destination.

“Altrincham’s heritage is an important element of the Altrincham Forward group work, however it is recognised to ensure the Altair development’s commercial elements were brought forward, the site needed to be redeveloped.

“The council purchased the Bridge Inn to facilitate development of the overall site. There has been significant consideration of the viability of retaining the pub as part of the Altair scheme, but this was not felt to be a viable option.

“The council’s view is that the Oakfield Road site development would not be best served by retaining the pub on the site.

“This resulted in the decision being taken to begin demolition of the building. Work has already seen most of the interior being removed and it is anticipated demolition of the building will be completed next month.

“As it is anticipated a future planning application will be necessary to secure approval for an alternative use of the area where the hospital was due to go, local people will have a further opportunity to make their views known to the planning committee.”

The Bridge Inn was set to be the subject of a public inquiry into a compulsory purchase order for it last year, along with the ATS Euromaster garage next door. But owner Petros sold the Bridge Inn to the council, leaving only the ATS building the subject of the inquiry.

A decision is expected in about a month’s time.

The proposed Altair leisure and retail development includes a hotel, restaurants and cafes, shops, flats, offices and car parking.