Our readers have responded to news of work set to begin on stripping out a Whitehaven pub ahead of demolition. 

Social impact property developers BEC have announced work is due to begin on stripping out the inside of the former John Paul Jones public house on Duke Street, Whitehaven.

The John-Paul Jones, which shares its name with the illustrious Naval Commander who launched a surprise attack on the town back in 1778, closed its doors to the public in June 2018.

BEC acquired the building from owners, Riverside Community Pubs in July 2019 as part of land assembly work that included the adjacent Mark House and Park Night Club sites which BEC acquired in 2017. 

Here's what you had to say. 

Ronny Milburn said: "Pubs are struggling and if people don’t go out and support them I’d expect there to be even more closing."

Kurt Atkinson said: "Such a brilliant pub, probably the best pub in town, had some great memories in that place, shame to see it gone, Whitehaven is nothing now."

Mandy Ferrol said: "I just moved to the area last July and it's a shame a building with such character is standing empty.

"Let's hope they rebuild and give the new build some sympathetic character."