A DERELICT pub with a colourful history could be transformed into flats.

The Gypsy’s Tent, on the corner of Spa Road, could be turned into seven flats after an application was submitted to Bolton Council.

The historic building, which was built in the mid-19th century, was once known for its rather unusual visitors.

According to folklore, before licensed dentistry, the pub would welcome a band of travelling surgeons who were known to perform procedures on pub goers, to the tune of a Victorian Band.

The band is rumoured to have played to drown out the patients’ screams.

Passed from the hands of local brewers William Tong in the early 20th century and taken over by Walkers of Warrington in 1923, the pub then merged ownership and became Tetley Walker before it was eventually put up for sale in 1981.

It was refurbished into an open-plan pub and reopened in 1984 under the new name of Winston’s but five years later was under new ownership.

It was sold again in 1996 with the upstairs room transformed into a function room but went on to eventually close in 2007 and has remained empty to the current day.

In the submitted planning application a proposal for change of use of the building could see it transformed into a two-bedroom apartment, four one-bedroom apartments and two studio apartments.

The flats will be self contained and spread over three floors, while the exterior will be modernised but in keeping with its 19th century history.

The agent, Fahad Patel, said in an access statement: “The property has been vacant for approximately nine years.

“Its conversion to residential would be likely to improve the appearance of the building and bring an empty building back into use.

“It will also add to the promoted housing mix and the promotion of ‘Town Centre Living and will benefit the current uses of the surrounding area.”

Bolton Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the planning application in the coming weeks.