Derelict Wigan pub a 'magnet' for drugs and anti-social behaviour

The garden of The Griffin Hotel pub, Standishgate, Wigan

People have been regularly breaking into the back of The Griffin in Standishgate since it closed several years ago.

Locals say the pub, which used to be managed by Wigan rugby legend Billy Boston, has also been regularly targeted by arsonists. One suspected arson incident happened in April when a group of youths were thought to have started a fire in an outhouse at the back of the pub, which is only a stone’s throw away from The Whitesmith Arms.

Coun Lawrence Hunt, who represents Wigan Central on the council, said the area has become “notorious” for drugs and that a new use for the building could be the answer to solving this.

Coun Hunt said: “The pub has been derelict for some time.

“In and around that area and the pub has been notorious for criminality in relation to drug taking.

“You do also get anti-social behaviour and people breaking in at the back and drinking.”

Coun Hunt said Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police were working closely together to clamp down on the problem.

Increased police patrols and CCTV are amongst the ideas to tackle the issue.

He said: “Wigan Council and councillors are working with the police in that area.

“It’s a targeted area where we’re looking at increasing patrols and the plan is to reduce levels of criminality and anti-social behaviour.

“The area is covered under a public order so people can’t beg and loiter and things like that, and this extends right up to Wigan Lane which has been identified as an area of concern.

“We’re looking at funding options to put CCTV up in the area.”

In the future, Coun Hunt said he would like to see housing for families at the pub.

He added: “I can’t see the pub re-opening again.

“So we’ve got to be looking at high-quality residential accommodation for families.”

A resident, who preferred not to be named, said they had also seen problems at the pub.

They said: “The pub has been closed for years and it’s a magnet for drug users

“There have also been a couple of fires here too.”