VILLAGERS are being asked for their ideas on redeveloping the site of a former pub.

The call comes from parish council chairman Annie Makepeace following a meeting over the future of the Black Greyhound in Wincham.

The dilapidated, boarded-up pub is at the junction of Church Street and Hall Lane, and its condition prompted a petition to put pressure on the building’s owners to do something about it.

The petition organised by Wincham resident Pamela Lavers attracted 475 names, and was presented to Wincham Parish Council.

The council forwarded the petition to the owners, along with its own letter expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of the building and asking the owners their plans for it.

Council chairman Annie Makepeace, clerk Naomi Morris and councillor Ian Parr met with a senior representative of the owners last week to look at the Black Greyhound and take a tour of the village.

Following the meeting Annie is asking local residents to contact her with their suggestions for what they would like to happen to the pub site.

“I arranged the meeting, and we listened to each other’s viewpoints,” said Annie.

“We told the representative of our concerns about the state of the building, and he seemed very sympathetic and saw huge potential in the site.

“He is looking for suggestions from people as soon as possible as to what uses they would support as he wants to put together a proposal for the Black Greyhound site.

“This is people’s chance to have an input into the future of our community, and it’s important to say what we want.

“I would ask people to send in serious suggestions about what they would support, and I would like as many responses as possible to reflect the views of the community.”

Local residents Annie has spoken to in recent weeks have supported the development of a doctors surgery, dentist and chemist, along with food shops and a coffee shop.

Annie is asking people to submit their suggestions by the middle of September, by email at pakamak@btinternet.com, facebook at wincham village people or by ringing 07957 265011.