Demolition plan for eyesore Clayton Brook pub (From Chorley Citizen)

Demolition plan for eyesore Clayton Brook pub

4:00pm Monday 4th February 2013 in News

Plans have been revealed to demolish a former pub which has become an eyesore after years of neglect.

Chorley Council has just taken control of the Clayton Brook pub and surrounding area and is planning to clear up the site as part of its ‘Making it Happen’ campaign.

Since it shut in 2009 the Great Greens Lane pub, nicknamed by locals as “The Flying Bottle”, has been a magnet for anti-social behaviour and the car park used by villagers was left riddled with potholes leading to it eventually being fenced off.

The council already owns the land but it was on a long lease to brewery Trust Inns.

It had been left derelict since 2009 and with no plans from the brewery to do anything with it, the authority has taken back ownership of the building, including associated land nearby such as the car park.

A planning proposal is expected shortly to demolish the building and landscape the area.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “As a council we’re keen to take action on areas that are being left derelict or run down because they have a huge impact on the local community.

“The Clayton Brook pub has been an eyesore for too long and we’ve taken back control of the pub so we can sort it out and do something with the land.”

Ward councillors for the area Jean Cronshaw and Steve Murfitt, welcomed the project.

“The building has been going to rack and ruin for the last three years and it’s great that we’ve been able to achieve what we have been pushing for – it will make a big difference to the local community,” said Coun Murfitt.

“By taking control of this site and turning into something that will benefit the community it will help to create a new identity for Clayton Brook.

“It’s the start of a new era and there’s lots more to be done.”