Stork Inn left to 'wrack and ruin' in Billinge as plans fall through

Erected in the 1600s, the former Stork Inn pub is a treasured part of Billinge history and was the focus of a campaign group to 'Save Our Stork' two years ago, after plans were put forward to flatten the building and replace it with flats.

With the pub closing its doors in 2019, the campaign group was successful in changing its demolition plans as developers instead applied for a "sympathetic conversion" and extension of the Main Street building into 26 apartments.

However, as the developers, SEP Construction Services, have since been liquidated, the campaign group has been back in action as the Stork building has fallen into a further state of disrepair.

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The historic building has been derelict since 2019 (Image: St Helens Star)

With wet and stormy weather battering the borough in recent weeks, the campaigners, made up of local residents and councillors, have grown increasingly concerned about the state of the former pub as there are currently loose tiles and holes in the building's roof.

Concerned that the condition of the building is a health and safety risk and that water damage could affect the building's future, campaigners want preservation work to happen sooner rather than later.

The building's roof has suffered damage in recent years (Image: Contributed)

One of the 'Save Our Stork' members, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "More than 100 people showed up at the meeting, which shows how much people care about the building because it is a part of Billinge history.

"The main thing we are worried about is that the pub is being left to wrack and ruin, and as the weather has been terrible recently, the building is just being left to the elements.

"There were grave concerns about the rain coming through the holes in the roof and mixing with the electricity, because there seem to be lights switched on 24/7.

"But mainly, people want to know what's going to happen with the building and they are worried that if it's left for much longer, it will be flattened in the next plans that come forward."

A campaign group was set up to save the Billinge building (Image: Cllr Sue Murphy)

Billinge councillors were also present at the community meeting where residents aired their concerns, while social housing provider Torus said it is working on transferring the ownership of the property back to the company so it can progress its future development.

Anna James, Torus Director of Development and After Care, said: "We appreciate the concerns for the buildings and would like to reassure residents that Torus are fully committed to delivering much needed affordable housing for the area and that retaining the building in line with its current planning permission is of utmost importance.

“Unfortunately, the original contractor went into administration, causing delays. Since then, we have been working to legally transfer the land back to Torus and to progress the development with a new contractor, which should be later this year.

“Torus are as keen as the residents to address the repair issues and as soon as the site has been surveyed and cleared as safe by our Health & Safety Team, we will assess any damage caused whilst the building has stood empty.

“The local councillor has been kept updated and we are currently waiting on an invitation to attend the next residents meeting to address any concerns or questions people may have.

"Residents will also receive an update once we have firm dates for work to start on site.”