Plans to demolish a former pub on a West Cumbrian estate have been given the green light.

Allerdale council has granted permission to demolish The Moorclose pub, on Newlands Lane South.

The pub closed in April after more than 50 years following owner Admiral Taverns' decision to sell the building.

In its time it has run pool and darts teams, held functions and been a hub for the community.

James Hall & Co Ltd, which is a wholesaler and distributor for Spar, applied for the demolition work to be carried out.

A spokesman for the company said: "We had to apply for demolition for the property because it was constantly being vandalised, as stated at the time of the application we do not currently have any firm plans for developing this plot of land."

A report by Allerdale council's planners said the building was in a poor state of repair.

It said: "The pub is in a redundant state and a good deal of investment would be required for its re-use. Along with its lack of use within the community and alternatives available within the town generally, its demolition can be supported with the benefit of some improvement in visual amenity with the clearance of the site."

The only objection received to the plans was from Carol Carter, who lives on the street and uses the vacant site for residential parking.

Karen Blair, who was landlady at the pub for 22 years, had signed a new five-year lease when she was given notice that the pub would close.

Moorclose town and borough councillor Denis Robertson had wanted to make the pub a community asset.

He and fellow councillor Stephen Stoddart complained that their community was being dismantled and called for a new social club in the area to give people somewhere to go.