Eyesore Greater Manchester pub that's a magnet for trouble and causes misery for locals could soon be gone
A derelict pub causing ‘misery’ in Stockport could soon be gone with the owners planning to flog the land at auction.
People living around the Beech Tree Pub on Outwood Road in Heald Green said the building became a ‘magnet for trouble’ after closing, and has been used for fly-tipping and dumping rubbish.
The site is listed for auction with a guide price of ‘£650,000 plus’ and has been described as ‘a sought after location’ which offers a ‘freehold redevelopment opportunity’ subject to planning permission.
Councillors at the Heald Green Ratepayers welcomed the step.
“Fingers crossed this could be the beginning of the end of misery experienced by residents living close to the site,” said Coun Anna Charles-Jones, leader of the group.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the pub closed around four years ago and that residents have reported people breaking into the building and fires at the site.
“It’s just an accident waiting to happen,” Coun Charles-Jones added.
“Rubbish builds up and to be fair to the owner and council the rubbish does get cleared but it just builds back up again.”
Last summer, people living near the pub told the LDRS that the site was a major problem in the community.
“It’s just broken windows and glass everywhere,” resident Georgina Porter said at the time.
“We’re used to seeing people going into the building and up to no good, it’s just an eyesore.”
Another local, Alan West, added: “It’s a complete mess and that broken window is dangerous. It’s hard to believe it’s been like this so long.”
Councillors from the Heald Green Ratepayers said many people in the neighbourhood want to see the land redeveloped, with the potential for much-needed new homes.
The auction closes next month on February 25.