MP PAUL Goggins is backing campaigners who are fighting to save the Sale Hotel from demolition.

The Sale East MP has written to English Heritage to raise concerns that the landmark has not been given listed status.

He has also contacted a Government minister and Trafford Council to see what action can be taken to protect the Victorian building on Marsland Road.

A Facebook group has been set up to save the historic hotel - and already has 240 members.

Last week, Messenger exclusively revealed that Trafford Council’s bid to get the 130-year-old building listed had failed - prompting Sale Civic Society’s Pat Coulburn to threaten to chain herself to the former pub to prevent if from being bulldozed down.

Residents learned the buidling was under threat three weeks ago after Messenger reported that the council had been notified of a proposal to knock it down. The owners have refused to reveal what type of development is earmarked for the site.

Mr Goggins said: “Sale Hotel is an important landmark and I know that many residents in Sale are concerned that it could be demolished unless it receives listed status from English Heritage.

“I have written to English Heritage asking them to reconsider the decision not to list the Sale Hotel.

“I have also written to Ben Bradshaw, the Secretary of State at the Department of Culture Media and Sport, and Trafford Council to see if any intervention can be made to preserve this beautiful Victorian building.

“I will continue to work with campaigners and do my best to ensure this building is preserved for the people of Sale for generations to come.”

The hotel opened in 1879 as a centrepeice for Sale Botanical Gardens - a major attraction that included a ballroom, gardens, lake, cycle track, lawn tennis, croquet ground and gym.

Visit the Facebook campaign to save the Sale Hotel