A HISTORIC pub-turned-eyesore is set to undergo a “long-awaited” revamp much to the delight of residents and councillors.

The Spa, in Southend Road, Hockley, will close for around two weeks next year while work is carried out to restore the deteriorating building. 

Eileen Gadsdon, councillor for Hockley ward at Rochford Council, is among those who has been fighting to return the pub to its former glory.

She has shared details from an email sent to her by pub owners, Mitchells & Butlers, which outline plans to improve the building both inside and out. 

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External works will begin in March next year and see the front repainted, while a new patio area will be also be added.

In late March the pub will close for internal works, before re-opening on April 6. 

The email to Ms Dagsdon adds: “I am as keen as you to have The Spa looking back to its best again.”

The Spa was built in the 1840s and has a distinctive Victorian style.

But the historic public house is a shadow of its former self, and has been dubbed an “eyesore” by Ms Gadsdon. 

After months of conversations about the pub’s future, she has welcomed news of the impending revamp.

She said: “I am so excited and so happy.

“My personal feeling it was such a shame to see the deterioration of such a beautiful building.

“But I am really excited that they have seemed to have committed to March next year to start work and it is really great news.

“This has been long awaited and I think it is what we need to do to make sure we are an attractive place for people to visit and help our economy.

“I just think a lot of what makes a place feel like a good place is how well it is maintained and kept, and once that pub has been refurbished, especially the exterior, it will give community a lift.”

After Mitchells and Butlers were contacted for comment by the Echo they said there isn't "anymore they can add" at this current time.