THE new owner of a derelict pub has revealed their transformation plans.

The High Cross Inn at Broughton was bought by the family-owned construction company Neil Price Ltd in March last year.

The company put forward plans for five holiday cottages and to remodel the building into a cafe which received the green light six months ago.

The pub lay empty for a number of years after it was unexpectedly put on the market in 2018.

Previous to this, the business was a popular venue for wedding receptions, birthdays, gigs and other social events.

Charles Price, company secretary of Neil Price Ltd, said: "We drove past and saw it was for sale and made a spur of the moment decision to buy it if the price was right.

"We thought it would be a shame for it to stay derelict and have nothing done with it."

The company plans on refurbishing the former pub building and convert it into a cafe or tea room.

"The original house is being left but the rest is being demolished," Mr Price said.

"The pub hasn't done well for years. We weren't quite sure what to do when we bought it.

"We knew we were never going to keep it as a pub."

Mr Price said the business saw a market for a cafe and holiday homes in the town.

He said: "We hope there'll be a market for this in the town.

"It's surrounded by wonderful views and there's a shortage of holiday cottages in that area so we decided to go for that.

"We can see a market for a cafe and holiday lets as a lot of people come through Broughton on their bikes - it's a lovely area."

Despite the initial groundwork having already begun, Mr Price said the renovation works may take a 'couple of years' to be completed.

"We'd like to be finished by next summer but it may take a couple of years," he said.

"We're trying to get the groundwork done. A lot of work needs doing to the existing pub building."