THE beer pumps and drip trays are now a distant memory as a historic Barrow pub has been transformed into high-end rental accommodation for professionals.

The former Wheatsheaf pub, in Hindpool Road, has been converted into quality serviced rooms to accommodate the increased workforce into the town.

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Blake Henderson Ltd has created stylish en-suite rooms for long or short-term rental. The rooms have three shared contemporary kitchen and living areas.

The property has retained The Wheatsheaf name and rooms are available from September with prices starting from £35 a night. The room rent includes all gas, electric and water bills, council tax, flat screen TV, TV licence, high-speed broadband, and a weekly cleaner for all areas of the property.

Andi Cooke, Lloyd Girardi and local businessman Paul Sheldon, of Millom, are directors of Blake Henderson Ltd. They are working will sales and letting agent Corrie and Co.

There are two other former Barrow watering holes in the Blake Henderson Ltd property portfolio. The former Washington and Crystal Palace pubs are being converted into serviced accommodation to the same high standard as The Wheatsheaf. The Crystal Palace is also due to be available in the autumn and The Washington in the new year.

The company also has serviced accommodation up and running in houses at Harrison Street, Storey Square and Albert Street, in Barrow.

A house on Ainslie Street is also now being refurbished.

Mr Cooke says the company is meeting the housing demand from professionals coming into the area to work at large companies, such as BAE Systems.

Mr Cooke said: "We have taken on old derelict pubs in the town and we have managed to use local contractors and tradespeople and put money into the economy for the refurbishments and created something that the town needs. It fills a real gap in the market.

"It is like living in a hotel room but without the cost of a hotel, but they get that quality.

"The rooms are modern and spacious and they are a home from home.

"If you are staying somewhere for six month it's nice to have the facilities of a kitchen.

"It's a great location with the gyms, cinema and restaurants. It is in a prime location."

Mr Cooke said the properties have had good interest and feedback.

Rooms are booked through Corrie and Co and Booking.com