The former Derby Arms in Aughton, West Lancashire has sat empty since closing for the first lockdown and despite community efforts to save it, now it has been demolished. Moor Hall Ltd, the business behind the nearby Michelin-starred restaurant, have had plans agreed to redevelop the site for housing.
The pub is thought to have been built around 1850s or 1860s and originally operated as a roadside rural inn, serving travellers and the occupants of the scattered farms and cottages nearby. It closed down in 2020 and became a designated Asset of Community Value in 2021 but remained empty since then.
Lying in an increasingly poor state, the building has been demolished following the loss of any hope of it returning to its previous function. According to documents submitted with the application, the business had been struggling for many years. The property was put on the market and no interest was received from buyers seeking to run it as a public house.
Aughton has lost The Swan, The Town Green Inn and the Cockbeck as local pubs, others have and are being converted to restaurants. Similarly in Maghull the Hen & Chickens and the Redhouse/Fox has also been lost.
Demolition (pictured 1.11.25) has taken place with plans agreed for 10 apartments (see planning link below)
Planning Documents.
