Former Widnes Vikings star submits pub conversion plans to Halton Borough Council

Sep 6 2011 by Daniel Mckenzie, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

FORMER Widnes Vikings star Terry O’Connor has submitted plans to turn a derelict Widnes pub into a children’s day nursery.

The Appleton Arms, in Appleton Village, was formerly owned by Mr O’Connor’s fellow ex-Widnes player Steve O’Neill, but has been plagued with vandalism since it was closed more than two years ago.

Under the new planning proposals the nursery will employ 14 people full-time and cater for up to 38 children under two years old.

It will also provide after school care for groups of up to 26 three to seven year olds.

Mr O’Connor, who is now the Vikings director of player welfare, says he is hopeful the plans will be accepted by Halton Borough Council’s planning department so he can transform one of Widnes’s most iconic buildings into a community facility once again.