Last updated at 06:49, Friday, 04 May 2012

The last remaining eyseore on Maryport’s Shipping Brow is to get a major makeover.

NEW LOOK: Landlord Geoff Walby outside the White Star pub in Maryport

The White Star pub, which stands between the Golden Lion and the old Carlton cinema, will be one of the last major investments by the Allerdale council-driven Maryport Town Heritage Initiative.

Allerdale council planning manager Kevin Kerrigan said that £30,000 will be spent on the property.

He said it would include re-rendering, window repairs, external decoration and new signage.

Work is now under way and is expected to be completed by the end of June.

The pub was gutted three years ago when the inside received a £12,000 restoration by former Maryport man Geoff Walby, who returned after 23 years in Liverpool to open the pub.

Mr Walby said: “We found that it was going to take more than just a paint job.

“The render had to be removed and windows replaced.

“It became too big a job at a time when everyone was facing some financial hardship.”

Mr Walby and his partner Rachael Baio said the exterior would be painted pastel blue to complement other buildings in the area.

First published at 06:10, Friday, 04 May 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk