AN ABANDONED pub turned crime hot spot could be torn down and a convenience store built in its place.

In October 2014 The Blue Lion in Harmans Water was closed down by owners Stonegate Pub Company in a move that surprised then landlord Trevor Cook and the pub's many regulars.

A year ago proposals to knock the building down and build a shop and five flats in its place were refused over parking and traffic concerns.

Now the same developers, Foundation Property & Capital, are back with a new plan.

Ben Lansman, the agent responsible for the document, said: "We are the owners of the former Blue Lion, which was a closed pub we purchased in October 2014.

"We are currently working with Bracknell Forest Council to secure planning consent for a convenience store and residential development on the site following demolition."

In his report Mr Lansman noted that the pub had become a popular spot for criminal activity.

He wrote: "There have been a range of crimes reported to the police, and reported to the applicant by the police, including theft of roof lead, drug dealing, squatting, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

"Whilst the landowner has put in sufficient security systems, alarms and fences to deter this type of behaviour, it is difficult to eliminate all together.

"Demolishing the current building will allow the whole site to be properly secured throughout and significantly reduce the likelihood of any criminal activity."