Last orders for Chase Side pub (From Enfield Independent)

Last orders for Chase Side pub The Old Sergeant

1:10pm Saturday 5th January 2013 in News By Hermione Wright

The Old Sergeant in Parsonage Lane is the only building left standing in Enfield Borough Council's development project

It is the last survivor of a different era. But the end is near for a 150-year-old pub due to be demolished to make way for housing.

The Old Sergeant in Parsonage Lane in Chase Side closed its doors for the final time in November after it was bought by Enfield Borough Council as it went into administration.

Ten derelict 1950s and 1960s housing blocks on the same street have been knocked down over the past few weeks to create space for 24 family homes.

Cabinet member for finance and property Councillor Andrew Stafford expects the pub to be demolished in the coming days.

Contractors employed by the council only have until Thursday, January 31, to demolish the buildings affected by the developmnent.

Cllr Stafford said it has not been confirmed how many homes will be built on the pub's site – which will be in addition to the 24 built to replace the housing blocks.

He also said the council is favouring private, rather than social, housing on the site after gauging public feeling in the area, but a final decision is yet to be made. 

He said: "We are desperate for housing and from what the residents told us they would favour private development."

The Labour councillor said the authority is looking to offer a contract on the site in August in order to start building in the autumn. He hopes the work will be completed by autumn 2014.