PLANS are in the pipeline to create a micro-brewery in the basement of a town centre building.

An application to change of use of the basement at Wolverhampton House, Church Street, St Helens from storage to general industrial is with St Helens Council.

Kevin Yates, of Connoisseur Ales, has submitted the proposals.

The venture has the support of the neighbouring Rendezvous pub, which intends to buy from the brewery. The pub’s landlady has written a letter to the council backing the plans.

The soaring popularity of real ale is helping to attract growing numbers of customers to town centre pubs.