Sale of pub brings hope for locals

A former pub in Blurton, Staffordshire, has been put up for sale, bringing hope to the local community that the site will be redeveloped.

The Swallows Next in Ufton Close has been boarded up for more than ten years after the pub closed its doors. The property has since been the target of vandals and arsonists and residents have been left feeling uncomfortable about the state of the building.

However, an auction will now see the pub put up for sale and hopefully redevelopment will follow.

Councillor Neil Day, representative for Blurton ward on the Stoke-on-Trent City Council, told The Sentinel: “When I was getting to know the area, I came across The Swallows Nest and I couldn't believe my eyes. It's a complete wreck of a building, boarded up with glass everywhere.”

He added: "The best use of the land would be develop the building properly and for it to become a hub for the area. A company like Stafford Housing or Aspire would probably do a really good job of putting the place to good use."

The property is being auctioned with a guide price of between £70,000 and £80,000, although the buyer will need to take into account the £20,000 of land charges that are attached to the site.