A FORMER magnet for drug pushers and criminals has been turned into a popular meeting place ... for the legal profession.

Gallagher's Oyster Bar is celebrating two years in business. And pub boss Pat Gallagher is delighted with the successful transformation of the former derelict Crofters pub on St George's Road.

The imposing pub building had become a drug den and eye-sore in the neighbourhood before Pat Gallagher moved in to create his traditional style Irish oyster bar.

The bar specialises in sea food and traditional home-made meals.

Now he believes that the success of the pub can be a springboard for other improvements in the area.

He said: "The place really was a mess. It's taken some time but now this is a place for people to be proud of. Solicitors, barristers and even judges come in here.

"The area is starting to be brought back to the quality it had years ago.

"Ladies feel safe to meet here. I've made it very clear the kind of people who are and aren't welcome in this bar."

The pub has also developed a close relationship with staff at nearby Bolton Hospice and held a series of fund-raising events for the charity.

A series of functions including sportsman's dinners have been held in the first floor function room at the pub.

The pub has also been nominated for an award in Lancashire Life magazine.

Mr Gallagher is now looking forward to enjoying trade from new developments in the area around Chorley Old/Chorley New Road, including the David Lloyd Tennis and Fitness Centre on the former Royal Infirmary site.

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