Derby pub could be demolished to make way for dementia care home

A DERBY pub could be demolished and replaced with a care home for dementia sufferers and the elderly, creating 60 jobs.

The demolition of the Angler's Arms, Spondon, is part of a planning application from developer LNT Group which has caused a mixed reaction from residents.

The pub, which was built in the 1930s and is currently up for sale, is open as usual, with regulars disappointed that it could close its doors for good.

But Leeds-based LNT says the new 60-bed home is justified because there is "limited provision of EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) care" in Derby and it will bring extra jobs to the area.

One regular, Darren Burton, 28, said he had been drinking at the pub for 12 years and that he believed it was still a viable business, despite owner Greene King Brewers putting it up for sale. Mr Burton, of Ravenscroft Drive, said: "It gets busy at the weekends.

"They have good entertainment in there and it would be a shame to see it go."

Darren Morgan, 44, of Vincent Avenue, a regular for more than 20 years, said the pub was a focus for the community.

He said: "The landlord there has done a good job but it has got noticeably quieter recently.

"I guess the writing is on the wall but it will be disappointing to see it knocked down. There's a not a great number of other pubs to go to in the area."

But a resident of Borrowfield Road, which runs behind the site, said the care home would be welcomed by people living nearby.

The 45-year-old, who would not be named, said: "I think the care home would be better than the pub.

"If something doesn't replace it now it could end up becoming run-down."

Greene King Brewers said it had been left with no alternative but to find a buyer for the pub.

A company spokesman said: "Whilst we would have liked it to see it continue as a pub, we received no interest from pub operators wishing to take it on. In the meantime, the Angler's Arms is open and it is business as usual."

He would not say if the care home plans meant job losses at the pub.

Alistair Wood, planning and development manager at LNT, said the care home would provide an excellent community service.

He said: "We have recently submitted a planning application and hope to have a decision by early August so, all being well, this would mean if successful the new care home would be opening its doors next summer."

The city council's cabinet member for adult services and health, Ruth Skelton, agreed there was a shortage of dementia beds in the city.

She said: "This is something we are seeking to rectify by providing some (beds) ourselves but also encouraging the private, independent or charity sector to provide these services."