Inspection reveals 22 serious faults and flooded cellar at Phipps Lane site

A BURTONWOOD resident has been forced to withdraw his application to turn the Bridge Inn into an asset of community value.

Dave Cunningham, of Chapel Lane, submitted his nomination to the council earlier this year but says there is no point in going ahead with these plans following an inspection of the pub by the council’s building control manager.

It was reported that there were 22 serious faults that would need fixing before the building could be reopened.

The cellar has also flooded and the cost of repair continues to mount.

Both the Bridge Inn on Phipps Lane and neighbouring pub The Elm Tree were closed in January by owners, Marston’s.

Dave said: “In Burtonwood we have lost two pubs that were once perfectly viable.

“Marston’s were quite happy to take our money but much less happy to perform their duty and maintain their assets.”

The buildings have since been bought by Winwick resident and developer Bill Atkinson, who now plans to build a number of houses on the land.

Dave added: “I wish to stress that Bill Atkinson is not to blame in any way for this sad situation.

“Property developers are in business to buy up derelict sites and develop them. Even at this late stage and while the pub is still standing Bill is still willing to sell it if anybody with the will and resources comes forward.”

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Mr Atkinson said he expects to submit a planning application within the next four weeks.

He said: “The pubs used to be a community asset but now they are a community liability.”