A popular Barton Pub could soon see bulldozers knocking down its walls.

Barton NWL Properties, who now own The Boars Head Inn, have submitted their latest plans to demolish the building and redevelop the site as housing.

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Located on the A6, the public house closed in September 2016 after the site had been purchased by the owners.

Campaigners have been protesting against the demolition of the pub, and also wanted to take on the running of it.

The group welcomed it being listed as an Asset of Community Value on 31 January 2017, which should continue for five years.

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However Barton NWL Properties claim that the building has deteriorated and has experienced several break-in’s.

They said: “It has been vacant since its closure with no intervening uses, and over time there has been a very significant deterioration in the fabric of the building that initially started with the stripping of the roof, trespass and attempted arson all as criminal activity. There have been numerous break ins.”

Now the owners want the council to grant permission for demolition of the Boars Head.

Within the latest plans, it was stated that the owners “will contest any refusal of planning permission and vigorously pursue such a decision with a compelling submission through the planning process via a planning appeal.”

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Councillor Stephen Thompson, for Preston Rural North said: “The pub has been designated as a Asset of Community Value and as such cannot be demolished unless the ACV in withdrawn.

”The developer has asked that the ACV be reviewed. I have however not received any communication from the Barton Heritage Group who have been pursuing an interest in buying the property. They submitted a case for the ACV last October, nearly a year ago.

”This situation cannot continue, the building is deteriorating and capital has been invested in its purchase by the developer. The question is, is it still in the public interest to continue with the designation?

“Unless the Barton Heritage Group can come to an agreement between themselves and the developers it may be time to call last orders on the ACV.”

Do you live in Broughton? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below