The Swan: Public inquiry confirmed over Compulsory Purchase Order

As part of St Helens' town centre regeneration plans, the council approved a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in December 2022, that would see the building flattened to make way for a new and improved bus station.

As it is nearly 30 years since St Helens Bus Station was last improved, the council believes that a new station is necessary to "future proof the provision of bus services and act as an attractive arrival point in St Helens town centre".

READ > ‘An end of an era’: Popular café to close for the final time in the Hardshaw Centre

CPO a controversial decision

Angela Hindley, landlady of The Swan (Image: St Helens Star)

As the CPO will leave landlady Angela Hindley without a job and a home and take away a popular town centre pub, the decision has proved to be immensely controversial.

Angela's son Scott, who will also lose his home along with his girlfriend and Angela's partner, set up a petition to 'Save The Swan' which has received more than 1,900 signatures.

As many of those concerned about the potential loss of the pub sent written objections to the government, it has now been confirmed that a public inquiry will take place on the matter.

It is likely that this will take place in a convenient location this summer, although no specific date has been given at the moment.

READ > The Swan: What is a Compulsory Purchase Order?

What will happen at the inquiry?

Any objectors or interested parties can speak at the inquiry (Image: St Helens Star)

At the public inquiry, which could last for several days or even weeks, expert evidence will be given surrounding the CPO and what it will be used for.

Representatives from St Helens Council and the Swan pub will have the opportunity to speak and give evidence at the inquiry, as well as anyone else interested in the proposals.

Those speaking at the inquiry may be cross-examined and asked questions by the inspector.

Once the inquiry is complete, the inspector will prepare a report for the Secretary of State who then has three months to issue a decision.

Landlady left feeling 'worthless and hopeless' 

Angela with bar staff at The Swan, who will all lose their jobs if the CPO goes through (Image: St Helens Star)

Maintaining that the first time she was made aware of the CPO plans was via a Star article in September 2022, Angela said that she has been made to feel "worthless and hopeless" by the ordeal.

Speaking about the public inquriy, she said: "At least I've been listened to regarding the way I was treated. I don't think it will make a difference though.

"I would hate anyone else to be treated the way I was and to be made to feel worthless and helpless.

"All the council had to do was to speak to me about the plans first, instead of finding out like I did.

"The fact that there will be an inquiry regarding the objections which have been submitted gives me some hope that the council will hopefully follow procedure next time."

While Angela says she only became aware of the CPO via a Star article, the council state that the properties affected by the proposals, including The Swan Public House, were were directly contacted by letters issued in March, April and August 2022.

"No representations were received from The Swan Public House in response", a statement said.

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Statement from St Helens Council

Regeneration plans include new homes, offices, a hotel and market hall (Image: St Helens Council)

In a previous statement, a spokesperson from St Helens Council said: "The St Helens Borough Strategy 2021-2030 was shaped by residents, communities, businesses and stakeholders.

"As part of this we heard that 'St Helens Town Centre requires transformation, ambitious plans should be made and implemented'.

"Since ECF were appointed as the council’s 20-year strategic regeneration partner in 2020, we have been working together to prioritise the transformational change of St Helens Town Centre to deliver a high quality, vibrant place that is fit for the future.

"An extensive period of engagement on our Masterplan proposals started in November 2021 and everyone across the residential and business community were invited to have their say.

"This consultation was advertised across a range of digital and offline channels, with drop-in events also scheduled throughout this period.

"A third-party social enterprise that specialises in community consultations were also brought on board and held a series of in-person events during this time targeted to specific groups, including young people, disabled people, older people, young care leavers, social workers and foster carers.

The CPO will allow for a new and improved bus station (Image: St Helens Star)

"This extensive and positive engagement led to the successful adoption of the St Helens Masterplan Development Framework in February 2022, with 88% of respondents strongly supporting or supporting its vision.

"It is now nearly 30-years since St Helens Bus Station was last improved to form the current heavily constrained footprint and poor appearance.

"A new and extended bus station that will future proof the provision of bus services and act as an attractive arrival point in St Helens town centre is a core component of the Masterplan, delivering a more accessible public transport network to connect communities across the borough and drive sustainable footfall into the town centre.

"The Masterplan visuals clearly identified proposals for the transport interchange improvements, including impacts for the Swan Public House, and 82% of respondents supported the proposals to reconfigure St Helens bus and train stations.

"Properties affected by the outline planning application, which included The Swan Public House and specifically identified its proposed demolition, were directly contacted by letters issued in March, April and August 2022.

"No representations were received from The Swan Public House in response.

The Swan will be flattened for a new and improved bus station under council plans (Image: St Helens Council)

"Direct engagement has also taken place with Punch Partnerships, the owner of The Swan, who advise that they have been in direct contact with the tenant over the proposed Compulsory Purchase Order.

"We are sorry if this causes any distress to those affected with regards to The Swan Public House, or any other properties and businesses, and would like to reaffirm that our door is always open to speaking directly to discuss our town centre regeneration ambitions and activities."

Negotiations progressing despite breakdown in communication

The Swan and former Town Fryer chippy will be demolished under the plans (Image: St Helens Star)

Offering support to the Swan's landlady, Punch Partnerships disputed in January that there had been "meaningful contact" with the council about the CPO plans.

The council said that this breakdown in communication came from the brewery not wishing to enter into discussions until the CPO was formally made, and the order has since progressed.

A further statement from The English Cities Fund (ECF) and St Helens Borough Council, said: “The content of discussions taking place with individual parties are quite rightly confidential. 

"We hope to progress matters by negotiation and agreement, rather than have to rely on the CPO powers being progressed by the Council."