Lifeline offered to closed pub

The Crown at Worthington closed last year with plans submitted to the council for the site to be converted into a housing development.

This prompted a public outcry with residents forming a campaign group to block the plans to transform the “heart and soul” of the community.

The pub and hotel - one of the oldest in the borough - is today back on the market with Standish based sales firm Aspire saying they are expecting “a high level of interest” with it being marketed as a “realistic price.”

Residents’ group Standish Voice argued the business had not been marketed properly before its operating firm went into liquidation. And campaign group Save the Crown has held regular events during the past 12 months.

The development plan had been due to appear before the town hall’s planning committee but hopes have now been raised the pub could be taken on by new owners.

Aspire is marketing the property as a “stunning freehold public house, restaurant, function rooms and letting rooms in an enviable trading position on the outskirts of Standish.”

A spokesman for Save the Crown told the Wigan Post it is “terrific”the pub has been given a “fighting chance” and welcomed it as a victory for the campaign.

The Crown’s future now depends on any buyers coming forward otherwise the housing development may be a fallback plan.