Residents have launched a petition against plans to build flats on the site of a former Blaenau Ffestiniog pub.

The Wynnes Arms pub in Manod closed in 2017 and has been described by developers as being “in a poor state of repair” and at risk of severe dereliction unless “urgent” action is taken.

A recent bid to reopen the pub failed.

The application states that the site has been the subject of vandalism, and has become “synonymous with anti-social behaviour, being well known to local police”.

A planning application already exists to turn the pub into offices and a single home, but developers believe the latest proposals are more realistic due to “firm interest”.

The plans are for five self-contained, one-bedroom flats which would be achieved by extending the building.

But the new plans have worried locals, who have signed a petition against the proposal. One of those who signed the petition is Dorothy Cockrill, a lifelong resident of the town.

Speaking to the Cambrian News about her decision to sign the petition, she said there have been police visits to the property and feared that if it turns into more flats it could get worse.

“Honestly I’d rather it was turned into a car park as that’s what we need here,” she said.

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