Campaigners fear St Annes' historic Ashton Institute may never see the light of day again when work begins to dismantle it shortly.

The sale of land in Ashton Gardens was completed by Fylde Council this week - but ambitious plans to restore the institute as the centrepiece of a revamped gardens will not go ahead unless a £2 million lottery funding bid is accepted

Specialist architects this week began the process of recording the institute's architectural features before taking the building down to be stored and the Supporters of Ashton Gardens (SOAG), who campaigned against the sell off, fear that may be the last the town sees of the building.

"It could be that they don't get the lottery grant, it could be that parts of the building decay or deteriorate in storage and it could be that part of it gets used for something else, due to a misunderstanding," said SOAG chairman, Fred Moor.

Mr Moor admitted the campaign to prevent development on the gardens had probably failed, but the group had, he argued, achieved much.

This included reducing the size of the area to be developed and forcing the council to register the land, a gift from Lord Ashton, with the Charity Commission.

He added: "We are happy to be judged by the hand of history in this matter. We heard heritage experts say none of the land should be sold. We asked the people of St Annes for their view, they said 'No' to the sale, and we articulated their view strongly, without fear or favour.

"We have had the honour to lead a campaign that the people of St Annes have supported generously with letters, phone calls and their time. We have left no stone unturned on their behalf. Sadly, the outcome proves to be another instance where the good people of this town, and its founding principles, have been betrayed by those whose vision is limited by politics and avarice."

But town hall chiefs say they believe the restoration can go ahead.

Deputy leader of the council, Roger Small, said: "It's good to see work on preserving the Institute now underway. Our conservation architects are currently cataloguing features and dismantling the building for future restoration.

"This is the first step before we submit a £2 million Heritage Lottery Bid to renovate Ashton Gardens. We have received significant levels of support from a range of community groups which will give us the best chance for a successful Lottery bid."

Depending on lottery funding, the institute will be restored between the two entrance lodges on Garden Street with proposals including the creation of a York stone courtyard at the front of the institute and a traditional tea room inside the building.