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Concerns brewing over plan

Pamela Welsh
29/ 5/2008

A LOCAL historian is urging developers of a £3m apartment block in Rainsough to look after the area’s rich heritage.

Craig Brisbane lives close to a proposed development of 14 apartments on the site of Rainsough Brew pub, on Rainsough Brow, and says there is a wealth of history on the land beneath the pub.

The pub, which has been empty for some years, had been blighted by bad publicity when it was open, including reports of anti-social behaviour, and even featured on ITV’s Cook Report in an investigation into protection rackets.

Since closing two years ago, the building has been boarded up and has been repeatedly targeted by vandals.

The plans were submitted by local businessman Massoud Shafai, who lives in Rainsough himself, and will provide 14 new 21st Century homes for the area.

But local history buff Craig claims the site may be more important than was first thought.

Craig, former chairman of the Prestwich Archaelogical Society, said: "Within a few yards of this spot there has been found evidence for Prehistoric, Iron Age, Roman, Anglo Saxon and Mediaeval occupation.

"The very neglect of this corner of Prestwich means that those with the eyes to look at what is still there, preserved in the landscape, can see layers of the past in a way which no other part of North Manchester can match.

"I wonder if the developers are aware of the responsibility they have now to create something which respects the unique character of this evocative place."

The proposals will see the pub demolished to make way for the apartments.

A spokesperson for MT Architectural Consultants Ltd, agents for the plans, said: "Rainsough is an area that will benefit highly from redevelopment. Land further down the road has recently been developed and we want to follow on from that.

"Throughout the process, we have taken residents’ views on board and we are pleased with the feedback we have received from residents, local businesses and Bury Council."

A decision is likely to be made in June.