A derelict “eyesore” pub is finally being pulled down.
Demolition vehicles are currently on site at the former Badger pub on Bradley Road, following the approval of plans back in October to erect a care home in its place.
The boarded-up pub had been closed for more than six years, despite a new owner trying to re-market it as a pub or restaurant and latterly as a possible site for a much-needed health centre for the area.
Kirklees Council gave the green light for a 43-bed care home, which will have three floors dedicated to residential, dementia or nursing care, a communal space and a residents’ café area as well as a hair salon and various other support spaces.
According to the planning application form, 40 jobs, 25 full time and 15 part time, are hoped to be created in it.
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It will be managed by Darrington Health Care Ltd, whose two other homes in Yorkshire have good ratings.
Ken Smith, Ashbrow councillor, welcomed the demolition but is continuing to push for doctor’s surgery, which was campaigned for by several members of the community.
“It was an eyesore and had been on the market for such a long time so it being demolished will be good for the community,
“Darrington Health Care is a good company.
“We wanted a health centre and that site could have been a potential place to have one but we still can’t persuade the health trust.
“There are a lot of people who live in Bradley but it’s a long way to their nearest surgeries, so there is a big need and I’m still looking into it.”
A spokeswoman for Darrington Health Care Ltd said that no dates had yet been set regarding the construction of the new home.
