A DERELICT Ipswich pub regularly targeted by vandals has been demolished to make way for a new development of houses and flats.Such was the state of disrepair that the Churchills pub, in Bramford Road, had fallen into that in December last year the borough council issued an untidy notice to then owner Cawston Estates Ltd.

A DERELICT Ipswich pub regularly targeted by vandals has been demolished to make way for a new development of houses and flats.

Such was the state of disrepair that the Churchills pub, in Bramford Road, had fallen into that in December last year the borough council issued an untidy notice to then owner Cawston Estates Ltd.

The building, which neighbouring residents claimed had become an eyesore, was set alight by yobs in 2005 and was regularly used as a spot for fly-tipping and other anti-social activity.

Developer George Wimpey is behind the regeneration of the site, which will feature a four-storey block of 20 flats, four semi-detached houses and parking facilities.

The firm won planning approval in April, three months after submitting its bid.

Steve Miller, council planning control manager, welcomed the project, adding: “Any development will help regenerate the area.”

The pub was one of a number in Ipswich built to a similar design by brewer Tolly Cobbold. Other examples include The Golden Hind in Nacton Road and The Haven in Felixstowe Road.

Mandy King, 31, of nearby Henniker Road, said: “Anything would be better than what we've got.

“It would help the problem of vandalism.”

Are you sad to see the back of Churchills? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk