Looking back at the Sandpiper pub as demolition gets underway

The former Sandpiper pub on Cleveleys Avenue has been empty and permanently closed since 2011, when its owner dissolved the company.

It was then bought in 2017 by Leigh-based housing company Adactus Housing Association, in a bid to build three houses and 12 apartments as social housing on the pub's site.

Bungalow owners in Hexham Avenue and Oxenholme Road, adjacent to the site, objected to company's plans on grounds the apartments would "overlook their properties."

In December 2019, Wyre councillors voted unanimously to reject the planning application to build the new properties on the site.

The refusal came as a relief to Pheasants Wood councillor Andrea Kay, who said said she was happy for the building to be demolished as it attracted antisocial behaviour.

However, she was in agreement with residents that three-storey apartments were too high and would overlook the bungalows.

After plans were refused, Adactus lodged an appeal and won, resulting in the demolition of the pub this week to make way for the new properties.

Now, the building which once thrived as a bustling hub within the Cleveleys community has been reduced to a pile of rubble.

Cleveleys residents took to social media to share their memories of the Sandpiper.

Stephanie Wrigley said: "So sad, had so many good memories of the pub, both from working there and as a customer."

Mary Burns said: "It was a lovely pub, I had some good times in there many years ago."

Anne Latham said: "That's sad, it was a lovely pub and was always busy years ago. Many a good night was had in there."

Adactus will be building three two-bed houses, and a mix of one and two-bed apartments. A completion date for the building work has not been set.