ONE of the oldest public houses in Bolton has been refurbished and will reopen at the start of next month.

The Cross Guns, in Egerton, dates back to 1770 and served the local community for nearly 250 years before it closed in 2014.

The building was derelict and in danger of being demolished, however the purchasers who bought the old building in October, 2016 saw potential and spent approximately £300,000 in repairs and refurbishment.

With the help of local tradesmen, the owners hope to re-open the new-look Cross Guns in Blackburn Road at the beginning of December.

Many of the original features of the pub have been rediscovered and retained, including the original stone floor, a number of fireplaces, and it has been stripped back to the original stone walls.

As well as a traditional country style public house, the old stable has been converted into a restaurant, and includes an ornate panelled private dining room, with seating for 25 diners.

The exterior will include a large decked seating area to the front, cycle parking and even a dog shower.

The new general manager Rob Ashpital, and head chef Matt Ellis have been working to recruit and train the new team.

Mr Ashpital said: “I'm not from the area, I have been working in Manchester city centre for the past 20 years but the fact that we have stopped the pub from getting demolished is something that attracted me to move away from the city centre and come and work here. I am really excited for the opening and to show everyone around.”

Food served will be mainly modern British, with a strong emphasis on seasonal and local produce.

A wide range of gins, spirits, continental beers and rotating craft and cask ales will also be available.

Developers have also purchased the land opposite the pub and converted it into a 50-space car park as well as five disabled spaces. This will also include a new access point, boundary fencing, landscaping and provision of a zebra crossing on A666.

The car park will also be utilised by Egerton Community Primary School in an effort to help ease traffic problems at the school.

Residents have raised concerns over Blackburn Road near to the Cross Guns for some time. In October this year, The Bolton News reported concerns over motorists speeding along the road, damaging vehicles and putting lives at risk after a car burst into flames after it crashed into a wall near the pub.

The pub is due to open on December 6.