Derelict Black Horse pub set for redevelopment

The news comes just as a petition was launched by people living in Princes Street and Comyn Street, asking Warwick District Council to put pressure on the owners of the Black Horse ‘to do something about the property to prevent it being used by druggies and various gangs’.

But on Wednesday evening the owner of the building Sandeep Panaich, who bought the site in 2009, said work to demolish part of the building and to redevelop the site to create four new houses and two flats for rent - which was granted planning consent in 2010 - would start in the next two weeks.

Mr Panaich, who recently oversaw the development of flats at the site of the former Lock Dock & Barrel pub in Old Town, said: “We have had problems with squatters at the Black Horse and it has had to be cleared about two or three times but we’re just finalising the plans and Flex Builders are starting work there.

“We had a little problem with the drainage but the project should take no longer than six months depending on the weather.

“The message to residents is that work should start in about two weeks.”

At present the premises is boarded up securely at the front but at what was the car park to the rear there is a back door which can be climbed up to to get into the building.

The site is an obvious eyesore with empty alcohol bottles and cans and smashed glass strewn on the ground at the back.

Police have confirmed that they have been called to the site several times in recent months and are asking people to report their concerns.

One resident, who declined to be named, said: “I’m pleased that this petition has come forward because it shows everybody is working together and we want to see what can be done.

“At weekends it can be particularly bad and some people are scared.

“It’s got gradually worse over the years and people are coming from all over the place to use it.”