A HISTORIC pub will be rebuilt after it was gutted by fire, a brewery has confirmed.

Greene King will rebuild The Bull pub, Hockley, but it will take a “considerable amount” of time before it is completed.

The Bull, part of which dates from the 16th Century and is Grade II listed, was badly damaged in a fire at the start of August and is currently undergoing safety checks, to determine the level of damage to the structure.

This will enable the owners, Greene King, to decide on the amount of work that will be required for the pub to be rebuilt in line with its listed status.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois, who wrote to Greene King to gain reassurance about its future, said: “The Bull is a very popular pub in Hockley and it is great news to hear Greene King are planning to rebuild the pub.

“Although Greene King have not been able to give a timeline for their reconstruction I am sure residents in Hockley and the surrounding area will be delighted to know that in principle The Bull is now safe.”