Coun Justin Tomlinson at the site of a new pub for Priory Vale
The first pint has been long overdue, but the residents of a Swindon estate will finally be getting their long-awaited local pub.
People living by the Priory Vale village centre at the end of Redhouse Way were promised a family-friendly venue more than three years ago.
But countless hours at the negotiating table have consistently prevented the project from going ahead. Planning proposals for the pub were finally filed with the council on Monday.
Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) was delighted with the news.
He said: "This has been an ongoing issue in the Priory Vale estate for some time.
"I first held a meeting on this subject over a year ago, and local residents and I have fought very hard to see this promise fulfilled.
"I welcome this news with open arms. The pub was the one thing the people here were waiting for. A family-friendly pub is always going to be very popular."
Ian Halsall, planning officer for the council, said: "It will take a month for the planning application to go through the system, but after that I don't anticipate it taking too long.
"We have a target date of July 5, but I am expecting it to be done well before then.
"It shouldn't take too long to build, so I think we are looking at an opening in time for Christmas."
Mr Halsall said the pub, which will be run by Marstons, would be similar to the nearby Tawny Owl and Blunsdon Arms.
He said: "It will look like an old farm building that has always been there. There will be a car park and a set of French doors that will open onto the village area, in the style of a café."
Coun Tomlinson said the pub had been delayed because of the value of the site. "Whoever got the contract, it was always going to be worth its weight in gold," he said.
"There were three interested parties, and I think the developers were holding out for a good price.
"But Marstons run other quality pubs in the area, so we know they will do an excellent job."
Swindon Advertiser 18/04/08