Historic pub set to become house

The former Woolpack pub was put up for sale in 2010

TIME could soon be called on a historic Saddleworth pub that has served the community for more than two centuries.

The pumps ran dry at the Woolpack Inn, Dobcross, in August, 2010, after the landlord who renamed it the Shambles threw in the towel.

Now the building could be turned into a house if a planning application is given the go-ahead by Oldham Council. Permission is being sought to turn the pub into one house, with the addition of a garage and landscaping work.

If passed, it would spell the end of the historic pub that has traded in the current building since 1927.

Before that the Woolpack was in a building in Dobcross New Road, with the earliest records showing Joseph Lawton as the innkeeper from 1773.

More recently the pub saw a series of landlords try to make a success of the business. The last landlord, Andy Thornton, controversially changed its name to the Shambles and installed a chill room, an old Victorian textile mill clock and a boules area.

After he locked up for the last time, owners Enterprise Inns advertised the business but eventually sold the building.

Former Oldham heritage champion Mike Buckley said: “Dobcross used to have 27 shops and a bank, but it’s now turned into more of a commuter area.

“I am sad to see it go and not retained for the community use but we have to accept the fact if there is no longer a commercial use for the building.”