A PUBLIC inquiry will take place this week to express their support or grievances about the planned demolition of one of St Helens' oldest pubs.
As previously reported by the Star, a public inquiry has been set following the controversial decision to place a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the Swan pub.
Approved by councillors in December, the CPO will result in the demolition of the Corporation Street pub, in order to make way for a new and improved bus station as part of wider regeneration plans.
However, the council has come under criticism as the order will leave landlady Angela Hindley and her family without a home, six people without a job, and the town centre without a venue that has served the community for more than a century.
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Public inquiry set
As many of those concerned about the potential loss of the pub sent written objections to the government, it was recently decided that a public inquiry will take place on the matter.
It has now been confirmed that the public inquiry will take place at St Helens Town Hall at 10am on Tuesday, August 8, and is scheduled to last for up to 4 days.
READ > The Swan: What is a Compulsory Purchase Order?
What will happen at the inquiry?
At the public inquiry, evidence will be given surrounding the CPO and what the future land will be used for.
Representatives from St Helens Council and the Swan pub will have the opportunity to speak and give evidence at the inquiry, as well as anyone else interested in the proposals.
Once the inquiry is complete, the inspector will prepare a report for the Secretary of State who then has three months to issue a decision.
The government will then inform relevant parties whether it believes that the pub should be demolished in the interest of regeneration, or whether it agrees with objectors and the pub should remain standing.
If the government agrees with the council's proposals, the ownership of the pub will be transferred to the local authority around Spring 2024.
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