Published Thursday 2 July 2026 at 15:25
Works to demolish the former Blackamoor Inn are scheduled to start next week, from Monday, July 6.
Despite best efforts to save it, the brewery closed the pub in 2019, and the building has largely stood empty ever since.
After purchasing the site, the council explored alternative uses for the building. While those options were exhausted, it was used as temporary accommodation for contractors working on Issa Way.
However, due to the building’s poor condition, including significant structural issues, and its close proximity to the road, it will now be demolished. This will also safeguard the land for future improvements to the junction, should funding become available.
Once the demolition is complete, the site will be landscaped and the pedestrian footpath improved. The wall adjoining the neighbouring property will also be carefully treated and rendered.
To allow for the works to be carried out safely, a road closure will be required at the top of Stopes Brow, from its junction with Aster Chase.
The road closure will coincide with the school holidays, when we know traffic is quieter, and is expected to be in place from Tuesday, July 21st, to Friday, August 7th.
Residents living close by have been notified and diversions will be clearly signed.
Roman Road will remain open in both directions throughout the works.
The demolition works are permitted to take place between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, although weekend working is unlikely.
Simon Jones, Growth Programme Director at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
The demolition of any building, including a former pub, is always a last resort and is not done lightly.
The building has largely stood empty since 2019, when the brewery closed it as a pub.
We bought the empty building and used it temporarily for contractors working on Issa Way. We have now exhausted all possible options for an alternative use for it, especially given its poor condition, including serious structural issues.
Once the demolition is complete, the site will be landscaped and the pedestrian footpath improved, with a view to upgrading the junction in the future, when funding is available.
The temporary road closure is required to ensure the works are carried out safely. Again, we will only ever close a road if it is absolutely necessary and we will re-open it as soon as it’s safe to do so.
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
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