A South Holland company is hoping to breathe new life into a town centre landmark building which is currently a rundown eye-sore.
There are plans to re-open The Chequers in Holbeach and residents are being asked to be part of the project.
Spalding-based API Services bought the run-down building in December and is turning to the community for ideas and support.
It is hoped the first pints could be pulled in a new-look and updated Chequers by the end of the year.
“It’s a big project and there is a lot to do there,” said Rob Bridgewater, a director of API.
“It was a thriving pub in a great location and that is something we would like to reproduce,” he added.
The Chequers lost its alcohol licence in January 2017 and was later used as a house of multiple occupation – but was closed for a range of breaches of legislation.
South Holland District Council carried out a series of inspections and the then landlord was prosecuted for failing to comply with improvement notices and failing to licence a house in multiple occupation.
The once-popular pub has become a town eyesore and the plans have been widely welcomed.
Chairman of the parish council, Paul Foyster, said he was delighted that there was the chance of returning the pub to its former glory.
“I am pleased that someone has finally seized The Chequers thistle and that it is also a local company and not someone based in London or somewhere,” he said.
“It has deteriorated and was once so popular.”
South Holland District Council member Tracey Carter said it was fantastic news for the town.
“It will make a huge difference and I will help all I can. It will be a huge asset for the town. The Chequers was once at the centre of the community,” Tracey said.
She added that the development of the Food Enterprise Zone and other growth would create a market for hotel-type accommodation.
API Services has launched a page on the social media site Facebook and is asking for input from residents.
It has suggested converting the first floor into apartments to help support the project, but Mr Bridgewater said nothing was cast in stone.
“We decided to research the history of the pub and explore the surrounding area. It is clear that The Chequers used to be a social hub in Holbeach and it is a great shame that it has been left in this state,” said a company statement.
There are planned meetings with heritage officers, architects and builders within the next few days.
The Facebook page has attracted a raft of comments from people who remember the pub from its heydays in the 1980s and 90s.
“I worked at this pub, it was always busy. It had young people at the back playing pool, listening to music and watching sport; a function room upstairs where we held parties and things to keep kids busy at weekends, the restaurant was always busy,” said Lisa Bristow.
“It would be great to see it back to its former glory. The Chequers was once a thriving hotel, having Ian Botham stay there on his walk. The upstairs was great for dances and private functions,” said Sue Kent.
“Please bring The Chequers back to its former glory days. I cannot believe that like many, no doubt, we had our wedding reception there, many parties and get togethers and it was always buzzing,” added Samantha Belokon-Dennis.
Search Facebook for “Chequers Holbeach” for more information.
