BLAH LEAD getting gv of the pub wednesday morning

AN HISTORIC Longtown pub could soon be transformed into a new gym, bar and sunbed room.

The owner of The Globe Tavern, in English Street, has submitted plans for and ambitious restoration of the buildings.

Toby Noble is asking for permission to convert the pub's function room into a gym, with access from Bank Street, and to convert the first floor area into office accommodation with access from English Street.

Under the proposals the public bar, toilets and cellar would be retained.

The Globe Tavern has been a Grade II listed building since 1973 and has been run as a public house since for more than 100 years.

It was extended in 1916 due to the influx of trade when navvies came to build HM Factory, Gretna, during World War One.

The planning statement says: "The current properties have suffered from lack of maintenance and neglect.

"Mr Noble is currently undertaking and comprehensive programme of maintenance to bring the properties back into a serviceable condition.

"It has become apparent that the size and area of the public house is no longer justifiable due to lack of trade. There has also been issues with the use of the function room for live music with residents on Bank Street."

Granted permission the existing kitchen area would be converted into changing rooms for the gym and part of the function room would become a sunbed room and disabled toilet.

Mr Noble has also submitted plans for conversion of the managers first floor flat to create two new homes; one two bedroom flat and one three bedroom flat.

He bought the pub and 2-4 High Street about nine months ago and his son Colin Noble, who is overseeing the project, has been working to clean up the outside of the properties.

"It's quite a big lump of properties and hopefully we can get them sorted out," said Mr Noble.

"It's a grade II listed building. We have to watch what we are doing and keep within the conservation officer's methods.

"It will be another property in Longtown cleaned up."

The proposal has been welcomed by Val Tarbitt, county councillor for Longtown.

She said: "Longtown needs a gym to support all-age fitness and to provide a community hub and facility and for our rural residents living close to the Scottish border to enjoy facilities currently not available.

"Gyms need to accessible and close to where you live or work otherwise excuses not to go are readily found. The middle of Longtown is ideal.

"Hopefully this planning application will be successful."

The town's community centre is the only other place where there are gym facilities. It also has a sauna and squash court.

Gordon Routledge, chairman of Longtown Memorial Hall Community Centre and vice-chairman of Arthuret parish council, said: "We have a gym which we are hoping to upgrade in the next year or so.

"It think it is competition for the centre but I don't think there is anything wrong with a bit of healthy competition and I wish them all the best.

"I think it is a good thing for the community as a whole.

"But we will be upgrading the gym regardless of how popular the other one is. I don't think it will affect us greatly and there will be enough trade for both of them."

He's also pleased to see the new owners will be retaining the bar area of the pub as the Longtown has already lost the Bush Hotel.