A West Kirby pub has been registered as an Asset of Community Value after local campaigners raised concerns over its future.
The decision means the Hilbre Pub, on Banks Road, is now protected from demolition or change of use.
The well-known pub closed its doors in September but since then it appears to have undergone a major refurbishment.
A local campaign group, called The Friends of Hilbre Court Pub, was set up to try to protect the future of the pub, which was a meeting place for local members of the RNLI and also staged a number of charity events throughout the year too.
Despite rumours circulating that the pub was to become an Italian restaurant, the pub’s owners, Punch Taverns, say there are no plans to change the use of the building.
A spokesperson for Punch Taverns, said: “We have no current plans to change the use of the Hilbre. We are currently in negotiations with a potential publican and we hope to have the pub open and trading at the earliest opportunity”.
Local MP, Margaret Greenwood, added: “Pubs very often form the focal point for local communities and I know that the Hilbre Pub was well used by a number of West Kirby community organisations.
“Following the closure of the pub a few months ago, concerns were expressed to me about the future of the Hilbre Pub and so I contacted Punch Taverns who own the premises.
“I am pleased that Punch Taverns have said there is the possibility of holding a community meeting to introduce the new landlord who can then share their vision for the pub.
“I appreciate that there are still concerns over any potential proposals and whether or not the groups and organisations which previously used the Hilbre Pub will still have access to the facilities. I would hope that this will be the case and believe that a meeting with the new landlord should provide an ideal opportunity for people to get to know each other and share ideas.
“West Kirby has a very strong community spirit and I hope that the Hilbre Pub will play an important part in the life of the community in the future.”
