PHOTOS: Plans to demolish Moorcock Inn, Waddington

The historic Moorcock Inn, which stands at the side of Slaidburn Road on Waddington Fell, closed its doors for the final time in 2010 after a series of changes in management and ownership, with the recession cited as the reason for the business finally folding.

The latest plans to be submitted for the single dwelling follow a number of previous applications which include separate three and seven-house developments. The Moorcock began its life as a two-up, two-down roadside inn. It was bought by Walter Greenhalgh in 1926, with the aim that the inn would become a special destination people would enjoy driving out to for excellent food, with a ballroom for dinner dances and grand functions. The pub prospered and became well-known across the North West and further afield as a first-class venue. It’s high reputation was secured in 1955, when it was chosen by the then Burnley corporation, to cater for a civic luncheon for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh when they were visiting the town.

The chequered history of the hotel and restaurant have meant it has closed and re-opened several times. In 1975, the inn went into liquidation after recording losses of £97,500. The building was gutted by a fire in 1976, then fully restored and reopened in 1977.

In 1984, the business was bought by Peter and Susan Fillary, who ran it successfully for more than 20 years and, with its reputation for food and functions fully restored, The Moorcock was put firmly back on the map.

Susan commented: “We have so many happy memories of our years at The Moorcock – it was a place where all generations came together to celebrate or mark every occasion from Christenings to weddings and funerals.

“Times and habits change though, and if the proposed planning application is passed, it will mark a new chapter for the iconic and much-loved landmark that was The Moorcock Inn.”

What are your memories of The Moorcock? Were you a regular at the dinner-dances there, or marked a big family occasion? Was it your favourite place to stop en route to the Trough of Bowland? Let us know ...