Residents have spoken out in favour of a clean-up job at a derelict pub which called its last orders 15 years ago
Owners of Roman's, a former pub in Annesley Road, Hucknall, had been issued an enforcement order by Ashfield District Council to tidy up the site by February 14, 2022.
Previously named The Lord Byron, the pub was deemed unsafe in 2017, with residents saying parts of the building have been collapsing for years.
The establishment has since received planning permission for total demolition to be replaced with a new three-storey block containing nine apartments.
Now, residents living next to the pub have spoken of their joy that, following years of neglect, the site is being cleared and developed.
Rita Taylor, 83, who lives right next to the site in Carlingford Road, said: "Yes I saw it this morning and I've heard for a while it will be re-furbished.
"It was supposed to be done years ago but then it was stopped and there's been all sorts of speculation about what it might be.
"It's nice that something's being done. Why not?
"Good on the council for putting an order forward and making sure it gets cleaned up - I'm very happy about that.
"It's been getting worse recently; people just chuck rubbish in it and my friend said she had rats coming from there at one point.
"It'll get put to good use now; people have just sort of been wondering what's happening."
Delivery driver Daniel Campbell, 25, who also lives in Carlingford Road, said: "It's an eyesore.
"I completely agree and I'm glad they're dealing with it."
John Halroyd, 73, said: "It's not particularly nice-looking.
"It's going to cause trouble to leave it like that for so long. There's another pub down the road that's being done up. It's only a good thing if something's being done with them."
Plans to demolish Roman's Pub were granted in 2019.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled a time when the pub was named The Stork Club.
She said: "It completely fell down one day. The walls just gave way and it collapsed.
"It's not what residents want to see - it is an eyesore. It used to be a lovely building - I used to go in the 60s and 70s when it was called The Stork Club; we had a lot of fun.
"I'm glad something is being done now though if it's not being used.
"I will say though that car parking is an issue.
"It's bound to happen when plans like this get underway but there will be a lot more cars parked.
"We already get a lot of residents parking up the roads around here. I'm pleased we're getting a change though, absolutely."
Councillor John Wilmott, Ashfield Independent councillor for Hucknall North, said: "It’s atrocious and we’ve warned them and warned them again.
"It is a blot on Hucknall and we’ve had no choice but to serve the owners with the Valentine’s Day ultimatum. Nearby residents are sick and tired of this site as am I."
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