Technical difficulties have delayed the opening of a new food and drink court in Bolton.

Work to transform land which was part of the former Stag's Head Pub in Deane into a complex began in 2020.

The site of the car park for the former pub has been sitting empty since the boozer’s closure in 2011.

But it understood work is currently been delayed over electrical issues and will start again once the fault is fixed.

Major food supermarket, Heron Foods has taken up one of the units but others are still sitting empty without signage to indicate which other businesses will be moving in.

The Bolton News:  

Councillor for Heaton and Lostock, Andy Morgan said: "My understanding is the delay is because there is an issue with regards the mains electricity connection.

“The contractor is doing all they can to get it sorted as soon as possible and when sorted it is expected the units will be let extremely quickly with the large unit already taken by a major frozen food outlet.

“This is an exciting development which is a welcome addition to the expanding retail offer in this area."

The Bolton News previously reported that Greenhalgh’s bakery was looking to open at the new complex.

Since then, there are no new plans as the priority remains to fix the electrics.

The signage of Heron Foods is now in place but an open date has not yet been revealed.

At the time of announcement, a spokesman for Heron Foods said: “Heron Foods are opening a new store on Wigan Road, Bolton, and we are looking to recruit for various permanent positions.

The Bolton News:

"Come and join the Heron Family and be one of our famously friendly faces."

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Locals say they are looking forward to the opening of the complex.

The Bolton News:

 

One community member said: “It’s close by to my house so when I knew it was happening, I thought it was a good idea and was looking forward to shopping there.

“But the Heron Foods has been sitting empty for some time now.”

The site belonged to the old pub’s car park, with the pub now Willow Tree Day Nursery.