A notorious village pub could be razed to the ground - years after being closed by the police.
The Clayton Brook, known by locals in the village as the ‘Flying Bottle’, has been earmarked for demolition by Chorley Council.
In its heyday it was notorious for anti-social behaviour, fights and even a ‘Wild West’ brawl which eventually saw it closed in 2009.
It has since become a target for thieves, who have stripped the building, and anti-social behaviour, and has been described by residents as something out of a “war zone.”
Plans to demolish the dilapidated building, which stands in the centre of the village in Great Greens Lane, have now been revealed and welcomed by business leaders, residents and Chorley Police.
Harry Parmar, who runs the neighbouring Spar convenience store, said: “We are over the moon at this news. It is a sight for sore eyes and has been nothing but trouble over the years – even when it closed.
“It brings the look of the whole village down and affects trade, and I don’t think there will be one person who will be sorry to see it go.”
Police Community Beat Manager for Clayton Brook, Jim Colclough, added: “Over the years The Clayton Brook has been a massive problem. It has attracted everything from anti-social behaviour and fights to thefts since it closed.
“The idea of demolishing it is nothing but a positive.”
Police stepped in to close the pub in 2009 after a brawl that involved up to 25 people with metal clubs and pieces of wood.
Coun Steve Murfitt said: “This is a project that has been hanging over residents for three or four years and the building has become an eyesore and dangerous. It has also become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and we have held meetings to discuss what could be done with it. This is the end of an era and the start of an exciting one and I am delighted for the residents of Clayton Brook.”
Alan Cullens, a parish councillor who has long campaigned for action, said: “The pub was in such a state that there had been rumours that youths had threatened to torch it as they wanted something done. Residents started their own patrol to keep an eye on it, but it is clear that it needs to be demolished as it is in such a state. It has become a nightmare over the years and this would be a good start to regenerating the village.”
Coun Alistair Bradley, Chorley Council leader, said: “This pub has become a terrible eyesore for the village centre. It has been a blight on the lives of people in that area particularly since it closed because it has been targeted by vandals and become a magnet for crime and disorder.
“There’s been damage to the building and the car park has fallen into disrepair. We want to demolish the pub, reopen the car park and landscape the area to create a pleasant and safer environment for the local residents. We are also in discussion with local community groups as to what improvements can be made in that area to enhance the lives of local residents once this eyesore has been removed.”
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