ONE of Runcorn's most popular pubs is preparing to call last orders after the owner announced plans to convert the historic building into flats.
Margaret Marsh, half-owner of The Egerton Arms in Bridge Street, got planning permission from Halton Borough Council last April to renovate a room above the pub archway.
The project will end Bob McLarney's contract as licensee. The McLarneys have until the end of May to move out of the pub where they have lived and worked for eight years, and into their home at Pool Lane in Runcorn.
Over the last 12 months the cash-strapped pub has been losing out from town centre regeneration work which has affected water and gas supplies.
Despite the renovation work, a question mark still hangs over whether the pub and bed and breakfast will reopen once the flats are complete.
Mrs Marsh said: 'There is a massive room in the pub that Greenall Whitley didn't even know about.
'We decided to use the room and build flats as a lot of accommodation is needed in Runcorn.
'I decided to close the pub in the coming weeks as there won't be any water once the work gets under way.'
The Egerton Arms has struggled to survive following the refurbishment of the nearby Navigation Inn.
Other problems have arisen from work by United Utilities in Runcorn Old Town, which has led to water cuts.
But licensees Bob and Kathy are devastated after learning their rental contract is to be terminated.
Bob said: 'It's been on the cards a long time.
'I had a heart attack and stroke four years ago and was hoping to sell up, but I didn't want to leave in this way.
'It's a pub with a lot of history behind it and if you go down to the cellar, you can see walls that would open out into tunnels.'
