A FAMOUS Priory pub labelled an eyesore' has been demolished after firefighters were called out to it five times in two days.
Time has finally been called at The Duncan Edwards Pub in Priory Road, which was pulled down by demolition teams last week.
Fed up residents who claimed the derelict building was a drug dealing haven have campaigned to get the eyesore knocked down.
The famous town pub finally closed its doors last Christmas and stood empty before a huge fire ravaged it in May, leaving it gutted.
A large crowd of residents gathered to watch the pub being pulled to the ground last Thursday (December 14).
Delighted Brian Wilson, chair of the Priory Tenants and Residents Association, said: "I am very happy it's down. I was most worried someone would get injured, especially with all the loose masonry about. I just hope now though that they clear away all of the rubbish."
Priory councillor Margaret Aston said: "It was an horrendous week last week with four fires in one night."
The landmark pub, which in its heyday thrived as The Wren's Nest, was officially renamed the Duncan Edwards Pub in 2001 to honour the local football legend who was killed in the Munich air disaster in 1958.
Plans are already in the pipeline from new site owners Clubhire Ltd for 36 two-bedroom apartments, three and four bedroom houses and three big retail units, possibly to be let to a supermarket.
Middlesex-based Clubhire Ltd will apply for planning permission in the New Year.
Vijay Lakani, who represents the buyer, said: "This is an exciting project which will benefit the community and bring new life into Dudley.
Source: thisisdudley.co.uk, December 2006