WORK on an iconic former pub that was branded an 'eyesore' is finally set to get underway later this year and could create up to 30 jobs for the area.

The old Three Pigeons, on Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge, has stood empty for seven years.

The pub used to be a focal point of the area but has fallen into a state of disrepair and its current condition has been described as 'ugly and lifeless'.

The building was bought by developer Nick Howcroft in 2011, who has planning permission to turn it into a new restaurant and bar with flats behind.

Mr Howcroft has said that as another project nears completion he hopes to get going at the Blackburn Road site in August or September but the work could take some time.

He said: "I think we are going to be on site between August or September. We're just finishing off work on another project.

"It isn't going to be a five minute job, I'm going to make the best out of it. I'm going to do something the people of Astley Bridge and Bolton can be proud of."

Earlier this year, residents came together to urge Mr Howcroft to 'get a move on' with the project and he said that work was going on behind the scenes to improve the scheme.

He said that the business is being rebranded under a new name that will be revealed when the staff recruitment process begins.

Mr Howcroft apologised for the delays to the project

He said: "The good thing about it taking a long time and all the rest of it is some ideas have about that will make it even better."

As well as providing a new eatery and seven new homes for the area and brightening up the building, it will also give Astley Bridge an employment boost.

Mr Howcroft said: "I think we're looking at 20 or 30 staff. It is not just the bar staff, it is the kitchen staff, the waiters and all the rest of it.

"It is going to be a good little place. It is all really positive. I think people are going to be impressed."

Mr Howcroft added that it will be amazing to see all the ideas come together and added that he is sure Astley Bridge residents will be very happy with the finished projects.

Mr Howcroft is the managing director of Henighans, which already runs restaurants in Breightmet and Little Lever.

Back in 2009, he told how he had plans to build a pub empire. 

Flowers have been placed outside the Blackburn Road site by the local community to try and brighten it up.

Images were released by Mr Howcroft last year to show what his plans were for the site at the time and feature an orangery entrance as well as a modern interior.

It is believed that a public house has been present on the site since 1804.