The restoration of a disused Swindon pub remains ongoing after contractors working on the building were removed from the job.

National Lottery money totalling £1 million was gifted to the Toothill community in 2019, with Community Interest Company (CIC) Toohill Big Local committing to bringing the venue formerly known as both the Village Tavern or Toot and Whistle pubs back into public use. 

Five years later, that project to turn it into a community centre remains ongoing, and although significant progress has been made, the building is still not finished. 

The group looking after the lottery money say that this is because they have experienced contractor delays, and have now provided an update on the work to say that the contractors working on it have been removed from the job. 

In an update on its Facebook page, a spokesperson for the Toothill Big Local said: "For legal reasons, we're sorry that we haven't been able to update everyone earlier but are now in a position to provide regular updates.

"For now we wanted to let you know that on Friday, August 2 2024 The Hub @ Toothill CIC acted within our rights to terminate the contract with Superior Fit Out Ltd (part of Stones Group Bath Ltd) for failure to progress the works as set out in the contract."

They added: "We have been working with SBC throughout and thank them for their ongoing support.

"We hope to host some open days very soon where we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

"Thank you for your patience as we continue working to open this great community space."

In May, an update was provided with photos of the inside of the derelict building, showing its transformation. 

This was accompanied by a statement that said: "Although the Hub might look to be finished there are several serious building issues which mean Swindon Borough Council building control is unable to give approval.

"We can't go into detail at the moment but will post an update as soon as we can."

When the £1m in National Lottery money was gifted to the Toothill community, locals were given a chance to say how it should be used, and the abandoned public house was one of their biggest priorities. 

Toothill Big Local acquired a 62-year lease on the abandoned site in 2019.