WORK is set to start on the demolition of a former pub to make way for 28 flats.

Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT)’s proposal for the Millhouse Pub on Millhouse Lane, Moreton was approved by councillors in November.

Construction of the £3.5m development, featuring 14 one-bedroom apartments and 14 two-bedroom duplex apartments, which will be made available through a Rent to Buy scheme, is to start at the end of the month.

They are being built by Warrington-based Galiford Try and expected to be ready by autumn.

The site, in the middle of a residential area, was previously owned by GallifordTry, with permission to build 38 apartments.

The scheme sparked a local protest and was later scrapped.

Lin Powell, head of development at Onward, which owns LHT, said: “We’ve worked closely with local councillors and residents and taken their concerns about previous development plans for this site into consideration.

"We are confident that these new homes will make a positive difference to the area and look forward to welcoming tenants once the development is complete.”

The Millhouse Pub was built in the 1970s but closed down several years ago after a fall in customer numbers.

The vacant land has recently attracted increasing concern, with incidents of vandalism and fly tipping.

Ward councillor Bruce Berry, who was involved in the campaign against the original development, told the Globe recently: "This site has become an increasing blot on the local landscape, situated in the middle of a popular residential area on one of the main roads in Moreton. 

"I'm pleased the developer has submitted a smaller plan, that is more in keeping with the area and, like many people, cannot wait to have this eyesore finally removed from our community."