A ONCE thriving live music venue has been demolished.

The much loved Moses Gate in Bolton Road, Farnworth, has finally been knocked down following a planning application made to Bolton Council last year.

The two storey pub was closed by landlord of 20-years Ray Smith in March 2016 after the the building had “fallen into disrepair”, and in the ensuing months the site also became a hotspot for flytipping.

In its heyday the venue was renowned for putting on gigs and played host to a number of regional bands, tribute acts and indoor music festivals.

The pub hosted its final gig on March 19, 2016, when Pink Floyd tribute band Manc Floyd played the venue out with, what was described at the time as, an “end of an era” show.

Speaking about the loss of the pub Councillor Jean Gillies said: “It’s such a shame because it used to be a cracking venue.

“I think from a music aspect it has been a big loss, because it was very popular for rock music and there’s very little for heavy rock in Bolton these days.

“It’s also a shame because we no longer have a specialist live music venue. The venue used to get a lot of bands and tribute acts performing there, but you don’t really see that anywhere else in Bolton that I know of. “

The demolition was carried out following a planning application made by GM Properties in May 2017.

In the application the firm said that the demolition was required to allow for a new application for residential development to be put.

However, as yet, no such application has been lodged, and it remains unclear what the future of the former venue holds.

Cllr Gillies said: “I don’t know why the venue closed or if there was an issue with viability.

“But I’m hoping that they will think about the community and build something substantial that will benefit the town.”