Derelict pub branded an 'absolute disgrace'

RESIDENTS SAY EYESORE BUILDING IS A 'BLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY' AS LEGAL ACTION TAKEN AGAINST OWNERS

- By GEORGE PLAMER-SOADY

PEOPLE living near an abandoned pub have called for swift action on its future.

A pensioner who lives opposite the former Chequers Inn in Stapleford says it is the root of many issues for residents.

The pub, on the corner junction of Nottingham Road and Derby Road, was renamed The Old Rock in 2016, and was once well loved.

But in recent years, it's become anything but.

Malcolm Baxter, 80, has lived opposite the pub for 28 years and can remember going there every Thursday for the pub quiz — but those days are long gone.

"The building is such an eyesore and it's a blight on the community," Mr Baxter said.

"It's been empty for about three years now - the windows are all smashed and there used to be a lot of noises coming from there, and people were spotted going in and out. I didn't have a proper night's sleep for a year because of how loud it would get in there.

"I was going into the pub for years, it was my local and a very popular place, but God knows what it's like inside now."