Village micro pub to open tomorrow

The Cockt’ale bar in Eccleston, near Chorley, was due to launch last month, but the new business – on The Green in the village – fell foul of planning regulations and its official opening was called off at the last minute.

However, Chorley Council’s development control committee finally approved the application on Tuesday night.

Owner Ruth Hull said the pub – which will also sell cocktails – will open tomorrow at 4pm, adding: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s brilliant. I feel on cloud nine.”

Opening times will be Monday to Friday, 4pm to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 11pm.

However not everyone is happy about the decision. Ward councillor Alan Whittaker said he was “appalled and dismayed.”

He added: “I think the planning committee made a wrong decision. They didn’t take sufficient account of the circumstances that pertain at that particular junction.

“There are double yellow lines, inadequate parking, it’s opposite a school where there’s inadequate parking. The highways authority said they needed three times more parking, residents were up in arms nearby.

“Eccleston Parish Council unanimously objected to it and they took no consideration of that whatsoever. They didn’t even agree to a site visit.

“Planning is not an exact science but I find the recommendation bizarre.”

Mrs Hull replied: “I don’t think any of that matters now. I’m just overjoyed.”

The pub is opening at the former Grocers on the Green, launched by former PNE player, Eccleston-born Paul McKenna, two years ago.