A REAL ale firm is looking to breathe new life into a rundown Kingswinford pub which has sat empty for some time.

Black Country Ales is looking to transform the Bridge Inn on Moss Grove with internal and external refurbishments as well as a new side patio area.

The company believes it can turn around the ailing building’s fortunes, which is currently in need to repairs, and make the business viable again as they have done so with other venues across the area.

A proposal for the alterations has been submitted to planners at Dudley Council, which is considering the application.

Among the changes will be the creation of a two bedroom manager’s flat on the first floor and a refurbished and covered patio area outside.

In the application, agents Maple Design said: “The property is located on Moss Grove, approximately half a mile from Kingswinford centre. It has been a public house for many years.

“The property has been closed for some time and the lack of maintenance is evident with several roof leaks that are affecting the structure of the property.

“Our clients are a successful real ale pub company and carry out renovations to run down or closed public houses throughout the Black Country.

"This property would be altered to create a real ale public house serving traditional beers, some of which are brewed by my client The Old Bulls Head, Lower Gornal.

"Minimal food and snacks will be made available as market trends dictated, however this property would operate as a real ale public house.

"They have identified the site as having good potential for their market criteria.

"The property, we believe has not traded successfully for some period of time. My client believes the proposed alterations will enable the pub to be more viable.

"Our clients believe the refurbishment to the public house would breathe life back into the building and ensure that it would be continued to be maintained at a high level."