Hi All,
I know it's been a while since I last posted an update but unfortunately, this has been outside my control.
As you know the lease of the Fleece was fraudulently obtained by the convicted fraudster David McHugh AKA Williams. The current owner of the building purchased the pub (freehold) not knowing this. As a result, clear complications existed.
After the license was revoked by Wigan Council the convicted fraudster did a runner, left the pub insecure and local youths vandalised it.
For two years I advised the owner and put him in contact with local architect Bill Schafer of Schafer Associates, Belvedere Rd, Ashton.
Wigan Council approved the conversion of the pub into apartments. As the owner is retired, he tried to sell the property with permissions in place. This was going very well until exchange of contracts and due to circumstances beyond the owners control, the sale fell through.
I know the full reasons for the collapse of the sale and I can confirm it was neither the owner or the buyers fault.
Having discussed the matter with the owner, he has been persuaded to complete the upgrade and conversion of the building himself.
The conversion will cost several hundred thousand pounds.
I can now confirm the contract works are now out to tender which is being managed by Schafer Associates and the winning contractor will be chosen soon.
For two years I have done my best on a voluntary basis, with the owners consent to keep the building safe. I have done this primarily for our community and the owner because when you have been ripped off like he has you need friends.
I made a promise to our community that I would do my best to keep the building safe, no matter how long it takes and believe me it has been very difficult. I have and I am sticking to my promise.
The great news is my services will only be required a little while longer as work will commence in the near future to convert and upgrade the property.
As a result of the conversion it is agreed that the owner will be required to pass over to Wigan Council just under twenty thousand pounds which has been allocated to upgrading two children's play areas in Ashton.
Best wishes and thank you
Michael Moulding