A 300-year-old Lancashire pub was bulldozed without municipal permission, prompting “consternation” and “disbelief.”

On Saturday, the Grade II-listed Old Toby Inn in Skelmersdale was demolished.

It was severely damaged by fire in March, although West Lancashire Borough Council was in discussions to rebuild it.

The council expressed “great disappointment” over the “unauthorized” destruction.

Locals have also expressed their “fury” and “disbelief” over the decision.

According to a council official, it was an obvious violation of planning rules, and “legal advice is presently being requested to guarantee that those guilty are held accountable.”

Ashurst councilor James Upjohn said: “People are angry and very disappointed.

“This building has been standing since the 1700s and it’s an absolute tragedy to see a pile of rubble where this building once stood.

“We have planning laws for a reason and to completely ignore them is unforgivable.”

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