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The Maple Leaf, later the
Corner House, was demolished in 2003 to make way for an extension to
the Tesco Superstore staff car park.
The pub itself tended to draw the 'wrong element' locally, not
necessarily inside the building itself, but youths loitering
outside. Attempts were made to sell it on, but probably removal was
the best thing at that time. |
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Bill and Muriel McCusker,
landlords, have been there for two and a half years at the
Maple leaf as it reopens in 1986 after a refit.
The intension was to create a
luxurious atmosphere. The games area was enlarged and had seating
installed. it contains two dart boards and a pool table.
New tables and chairs were
provided for eating. The pub is open plan with three main areas. In
front of the full lenght windows there are sofas and chairs with
coffee table. |
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Published on Thursday, 23
October 2003. Worthing Herald
A DURRINGTON pub may be demolished to make the area safer for
residents. Tesco, which owns the site, wants permission to knock
down The Corner House
and convert it to a landscaped parking area for its adjacent
superstore. The pub was a trouble flash-point
for years before the leaseholding brewery company closed it several
months ago.
Now, its doors and windows are blanked off with steel shutters, and
the ravages of neglect are already beginning to make themselves
evident on the building. Paul Goodenough, speaking for Tesco's
agents, told the Herald that the idea was to make the area more
secure. "There is a car park just behind the pub, but no one
wants to use it because it is hidden from view and it is a meeting
point for youngsters.
The pub has contributed to continued problems of vandalism and
unacceptable behaviour. Since the pub was closed, the problems have
been greatly reduced.
The brewery company is in the process of surrendering its lease. We
are unsure of the reasons for its closing, but it could be that it
was unprofitable to run." Mr Goodenough said the redeveloped area
would be well lit, further increasing security. He hoped this better
lighting would eventually be extended to the
rest of Tesco's car parking area. |
News of the pub's possible
demise is being welcomed by vandalism-plagued residents, who feel
that the area can only be better off without The Corner House.
Durrington county councillor Nick Rodgers has long been championing
these residents and seeking ways to improve the youngsters'
behaviour. "This application is a positive move," he told the
Herald. "The Tesco site influences the safety of the community
around it. "This pub has been a blot on the landscape for many, many
years. Hopefully, we can now have a safer environment.
Tesco recognises there is a problem and they are taking steps to
deal with it, and I commend them for it. I don't think there will be
many Durrington residents complaining about the demolition of The
Corner House."
Mr Rodgers continued: "Kids hang around the Tesco complex on the
basis that there is little else for them to do. The pub provides a
perfect cover from the road. We, the local councils and police, are
now working to get a youth club which will give the youngsters
something to do." Mr Rodgers said they had virtually secured the
pavilion building in Pond Lane for this purpose. "Now we need to get
youth workers for the club and to make sure that residents are not
inconvenienced. We are looking carefully at that." |
