A PUB has been given the go-ahead for a £1.25m renovation to offer an improved experience for customers.

The Pied Bull on High Street, Newton-le-Willows, had submitted plans for a wholesale refurbishment of the building.

Plans include for a new outside seating area at the front; an increased bar area with a larger wrap-around bar; the demolition of outbuildings on the rear car park; construction of a new disabled entrance and disabled toilet; new kitchen facilities and a reconfiguration and complete refurbishment of all hotel rooms.

Landlord Kevin Jennison says he is pleased to have received support for the project from the building’s owners Punch Taverns.

He said the plans have been "a long journey for myself and Punch, that has not been short of problems and delays along the way, but we all retained the same vision, confidence and passion to transform this important building and provide an amazing destination and experience for all our customers; both locally and from further afield”.

Kevin, who has been landlord for 11 years, added: “The exact timing for commencement of the work is still uncertain, as much will depend on how quickly we obtain planning approval, especially with us being sited within an important conservation area.

"Whilst I’d like to think we might be able to start as early as October or November, we'll just have to wait and see how these things progress.

"In the meantime I wish to thank all of our customers for their interest, patience and support over the last few years whilst we've all persevered with the old, tired and, at times, deteriorating aspects of the Pied Bull.

"We are excited and confident that this will transform our business and our already fabulous High Street.”

The planning application states: "The proposals within the application have been designed to offer an altogether safer and more enjoyable experience for all people visiting the pub, particularly people local to the area who will have a better facility to enjoy only a short distance away."

The plans have bene given the official green light by St Helens Council planning officers.