THE LAST piece of a factory whose products were renowned worldwide is to be razed to rubble.

Planning watchdogs have agreed to the demolition of a disused four-storey canal bank warehouse -- the only surviving building from the days of the old Albion foundry at Leigh.

Radiator manufacturers Barlo Warmstyle Limited occupy the site between Spinning Jenny Way and the canal and want to demolish the old warehouse and replace it with a new one within the Leigh Bridge Conservation Area.

The Albion ironworks date back to the last century when Harrison & McGregor rose to fame making agricultural machinery farming equipment and tractors. They became one of Leigh's largest employers and part of the David Brown tractor empire whose offshoots included prestige sports car makers Aston Martin. The company closed in the 1980s and hundreds lost their jobs.

The building dates back to the late 19th century and dominates views from Leigh Bridge but has since become derelict.

Planning chiefs received no objections to demolition proposals for the building and recommended the granting of Conservation Area Consent providing they are given detailed proposals for the replacement building.

A council spokesman said: "Although the building is of historical importance, its position and physical condition are such as not to contribute to the overall Conservation Area which is based very much to the west of the application site.

"Consent has been granted for its demolition."