RESIDENTS have urged a developer to “get a move on” with work on an eyesore former pub.

The Three Pigeons, on Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge, has been empty for seven years and locals want the building to be developed so that it can return to being the focal point of the area.

The building was bought by Nick Howcroft in 2011 and he plans to turn it into a restaurant and bar. It was set to open sometime this year but work has been delayed.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough, who represents the area, said that people are ‘frustrated’ and deserve better. She said: “The people of Astley Bridge are so frustrated and I believe they deserve better than this,

"I am sure that if the owner lived nearer and had to pass it every day, he would be more inclined to do something about it.

“We are appealing to his better nature to get on with it, he has promised many times it will be worth waiting for, but it’s not promises we want, it is action.”

Simon Rees, a resident who lives in East Grove Avenue, urged Mr Howcroft to get the work finished. He said: “Surely he needs to get it done to then open it and start to recoup some of the expense he has had and will have in getting it up and running. However, I am not a businessman and can only add to the other comments I’ve heard that nothing appears to be happening with a well known landmark in Astley Bridge.”

Mr Howcroft has reassured residents that plans are moving forward behind the scenes. He apologised for the delays and also revealed changes to the plans for the building. He said that his team will be on site in the middle of this year.

He said: “We sincerely apologise for the delays as we know everybody is really looking forward to visiting the newly refurbished iconic landmark building.

“Behind the scenes we have still be working closely with our architects and interior designer team to improve the scheme further from our original plans.

"We have some really exciting ideas that will be implemented in to our brand new bar and restaurant. We will be re-branding the business under a new name which will be revealed later in the year when we start our recruitment process.”

'Nothing' happening to Three Pigeons pub site in Astley Bridge according to councillor

He thanked Cllr Fairclough and the residents of Astley Bridge for their continued support and said he looks forward to welcoming everybody on the opening day.