End of an era as demolition starts

For generations, the iconic St George’s Hotel in Kirkham, popularly known to residents as The George, stood at the junction of Poulton Street, Moor Street and Station Road.

But demolition workers moved in this week and have started dismantling the building to make way for a modern block of 12 apartments.

Hopes of The George being saved as a hostelry were dashed after the building was declared unsafe.

Developer Melrose has started work on the dilapidated pub after it was left empty for more than a year.

Elaine Silverwood, who owns the Silverdell bookshop on Poulton Street, Kirkham, said: “It’s quite something to see that prime site looking so different.

“The George has been there for as long as we can all remember and it was a real landmark. It is a shame the facade could not be kept but the building was in a state of disrepair and was an eyesore.

“The new apartments are very pleasing and will add greatly to Kirkham.”

The pub, where a body was discovered in the living accommodation in 2010, stood on the site for more than a century.