Fears a derelict pub could be turned into a bail hostel in the heart of Ellesmere Port have been quashed by the Ministry of Justice.

The Knot in Whitby Road has been branded an ‘eyesore’ by some since it pulled its last pint around three years ago.

Rumours are now circulating that the former pub, built in 1911, could be turned into a bail hostel for convicted criminals.

But these claims were categorically denied by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) today (Tuesday, January 13).

Speaking to the Chronicle a spokesperson for the MoJ said: “We have no plans to open a bail hostel on this site.”

The speculation, posted on Facebook group Pride in the Port, comes after Cheshire West and Chester granted permission for the two storey building to be demolished.

But the demolition has sparked fears over the future of the site, with some saying the former pub could be turned into flats, or a bail hostel, leading to concern about safety in the area.

One concerned resident posted that the building should be ‘restored’ and that history in Ellesmere Port needed to be kept ‘alive’, while others expressed concerns about their children playing out so close to a place where criminals released on remand would live.

In a planning statement, posted on the council’s planning portal, the applicant Oakwell Ltd who state they will be redeveloping on the land, say: “The building has been empty for three years and has become derelict. As a result the building has become an eyesore on Whitby Road, and has become a site of anti social behaviour.

“Police have requested that action be taken.”