Derelict King’s Head site branded ‘disgrace’
THE derelict site of a former Macclesfield town centre pub has been called ‘a disgrace’ by a former regular.
The Old King’s Head pub in the Chestergate area of Macclesfield, was demolished last November and has been in a derelict state ever since.
The structure had been a prominent part of the town centre and dated back to at least the 19th century.
It contained two pubs, the Old King’s Head and the Three Pigeons, as well as the Skoltex school uniform shop.
Local resident John Wright, 80, was a regular at the Old King’s Head and is saddened at its current state.
“It’s a disgrace. It’s been in a derelict state now for about 15 years, he said.
“I used to have a pint in there. I knew the landlord quite well.
That landlord was none other than former Liverpool footballer Willie Stevenson.
The Scottish defender finished his career with Macclesfield Town in 1975 and took over the pub after his retirement.
Cheshire East council have said the sale of the land is underway.
Mr Wright, of Millers Court, Macclesfield, says the site is now an eyesore and will put off potential visitors and investors.
He said: “I do think something should be done about it because it’s the centrepiece of the town and visitors will say, good God what a bloody mess that is’.
“I’m sure if I was going to invest in Macclesfield,
I’d think; ‘no thank you very much, that’s not very attractive’.
“You think of the potential of it even as a car park with a few trees round it. That would be better than having that site for visitors.
In response a spokesperson for Cheshire East council said: “The council is aware of this privatelyowned site, which is in a prominent position in the town centre.
“The council has previously required action from the owners in the interests of public safety and continues to monitor the site for further signs of deterioration.
“The council has requested further action is taken to screen the building and tidy the site, to improve its appearance from the public domain. It is understood a land sale is in progress.
“The council would welcome the appropriate redevelopment of the site to improve the appearance of the area and to ensure the site is used productively and is pursuing a meeting to discuss the best way forward with the anticipated owner.