Last orders for pub

LAST ORDERS: Work has begun to demolish an abandoned pub.

The former Hanging Gate pub, also known as The Castle Tavern, in Liverpool Road, Cross Heath, closed more than two years ago after an unsuccessful bid to extend drinking hours.

The pub, which was built in the 1930s, formerly stood on the opposite side of the road in the 1800s. In April, fast food giant KFC was given permission to build a drive-thru restaurant on the site.

The restaurant is expected to create up to 40 jobs. Plans to build 26 flats on the site were blocked last year following neighbours' concerns.