Demolition work has begun on a historic Merseyside pub.
Plans to turn The Railway in Earlestown into flats were approved in 2020, and will see 15 new apartments on the site, which had been home to the pub since around 1920.
Much of The Railway's business historically came as a result of its useful location opposite Earlestown railway station, with commuters waiting for their trains able to pop in for a quick pint before their travels.
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However, the pub had been closed for several years before plans were drawn up.
Housing association Torus submitted the plans to St Helens Council in 2020, believing the area has an 'increasing demand for accommodation.'
The plans propose 15 apartments, along with 10 parking spaces and associated landscaping.
Councillor for Newton-le-Willows Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “As with all historic buildings, especially pubs, it’s a case of use it or lose it. In the case of the Railway, the pub closed due to being unviable and sadly nobody came to take over it.
"Whilst the building is old, and I’ve led on enough local campaigns to protect historic buildings, it’s particularly difficult to convert and has become more derelict as time passes.
"The developer submitted plans originally which weren’t the high quality development we expect in our town centres, and so Torus kindly reviewed the design to fit in with the wider Earlestown conservation area in more of a traditional build.
"Ultimately, we will now also gain 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, which there’s been a massive shortage of due to the Government Bedroom tax. And that will allow people to live in and use Earlestown town centre and also commute and use the train station.
"This is part of Labour’s wider regeneration plans for Earlestown which will reach a significant milestone at the next cabinet meeting”
Some Earlestown residents took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the plans for the former pub.
One said: "A real shame this pub is going it’s part of the towns heritage and seen by rail passengers. I understand the economics but we don’t have to like it."
Some were more upset about losing the Railway, known locally as 'bottom house'. One person said: "So sad. The 'Bottom House' used to be my Dad's local; we lived in King Street. I really don't see how building yet another block of flats, which are an eyesore, like those which replaced the Curzon is going to encourage visitors to Earlestown.
"How is this in keeping with promoting the 'Railway history' of the town?"
