A DERELICT pub is set to be torn down to make way for a major regeneration project.

The Crown Pub, High Street, Hadleigh, will now be demolished a decade after it closed.

Castle Point Council is expecting to complete a major regeneration project which covers the area from the pub up to the old fire station.

Norman Smith, Tory leader of Castle Point Council, said: “We agreed to remove the Crown Pub, I authorised the demolition of the pub during the council’s cabinet meeting in November.

“We are looking to install some form of surface area that can be used for community use, such as perhaps a market or an events space.

“The demolition is currently out to tender and could start in the next four to five months once plans are finalised, but this is subject to change and we may need to submit for planning permission.”

Residents have been calling for development for the town centre and pub site since it closed.

The site has fallen into disrepair and has become an eyesore in the town centre.

Residents said they are sceptical of any plans and works for the site.

Barbara Cox, 71, of Homestead Gardens, Hadleigh said: “I think actions speak louder than words.

“I will believe it when I see something being done with the site.

“I think it’s such a shame it’s taken so long and that the old pub building has become such a mess in the town.

“I think it’ll be good to have the old building gone but I am unsure about the idea of a market and community space.

“As long as the space is used and wanted by groups and organisations it’ll be worth while. If not, I think it’ll be a waste of time.”

The pub has been closed since 2009 but the site has been home to a pub since 1769, making it one of the town’s most historic buildings.

Plans were submitted to convert the building into a KFC restaurant but these were refused by the council in July 2009.

In March 2012, the Echo reported plans were put in place to convert the building into a boutique cinema as part of plans for the town centre regeneration.