'Public eyesore' former pub to be demolished

A former Leicestershire pub which has fallen into disrepair is set to be demolished.

The Oak, in Whitwick, has been closed for more than a decade and North West Leicestershire District Council has now given notice for its demolition.

Outline permission was granted for eight new affordable homes on the site in October 2021 after the authority outlined its ambition to redevelop the land.

The venue, in Talbot Street, is described in the plans as a "public eyesore" and has become a hot-spot for vandalism and anti-social behaviour by 2021, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The notice states the “long-term vacancy” of the former pub is “causing health and safety concerns” and creating a “public eyesore”.

It also suggests there could be changes to the future plan for the site.

The council said the previous outline permission is to be “amended” and a “new option submitted”, which looks likely to still be council housing, from the limited details included in the application.

However, instead of the eight homes formerly proposed, the document suggests the authority is now looking at six.

Demolition is expected to start on-site on 26 August.

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.