A landmark pub forced to close for months after being hit by severe flooding has applied to build a high water defence wall around the premises.
The Beehive Inn, Horwich, saw most of its ground floor inundated with water after a rain deluge on Sunday, May 17 affected large parts of the town.
The water caused extensive damage and the timing was even more painful for staff and customers as it came just one day before lockdown rules eased to allow pub goers indoors.
The destruction was so severe that the boozer only re-opened last week after five months of renovations.
Now the pub boasts a new look, updated menu, and brand-new Wacky Warehouse children’s play centre after undergoing a six-figure transformation.
Plans submitted to Bolton Council last week reveal plans for new flood protections measure around the pub.
In their planning application Greene King pub company, said: “We wish to form a new flood defence walls to the perimeter of the public house to protect from future high water.”
They added that the new protection would be a ‘rendered wall with concrete capping’.
A response from Bolton Council’s highways department, said: “The proposed flood defence wall will be located on the boundary of the premises and will not encroach onto the public highway limit
“It appears not to affect the accessibility to properties at that location.
“On this basis, no objections on highway grounds to what is being proposed under this application.”
The Beehive was officially reopened last week by Mayor of Bolton, Coun Linda Thomas, her husband Len — and local Horwich charity champion Sam Ormrod.
During May’s storm the flooding was so extreme that cars had to be towed away by emergency services from the Beehive roundabout having become stuck.
At the reopening Caitlin McAllister, general manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be coming back better than ever, and we’re looking forward to welcoming returning regulars – as well as many new guests, we hope.”
The pub will host a weekly quiz night and a number of live music nights in the run up to Christmas..
