A FORMER Pontypool pub left derelict for eight years is set for a new lease of life.

The former Greyhound pub will be converted into a retail unit and four flats, thanks to funding from the Pontypool Townscape Heritage Initiative, Pontypool Investment Fund and Bron Afon Community Housing.

The scheme was approved by Torfaen County Borough Council in December, with work starting on the Commercial Street-site last month.

Since 2008 various projects seeking to rejuvenate the building, which has listed status, have failed to get off the ground.

Among them was a bid to turn it into a bistro-style bar in 2013.

But recent developments have been welcomed by Torfaen’s executive member for regeneration, councillor Lewis Jones.

He said: “The Greyhound has been derelict for many years now so it is fantastic to see this building being given a new lease of life and brought back into use.

“As well as revitalising the building, creating new residential premises in the heart of the town will bring much needed footfall for local traders.”

The building works are expected to take approximately six months with hopes the property will be able to open its doors again in November.

It is part of a wider investment programme for Pontypool, by the Welsh Government-funded Pontypool Investment Fund and the Pontypool Townscape Heritage Initiative, which is itself funded by the Welsh Government, along with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Torfaen County Borough Council.

Cllr Lewis added: “Hopefully, this will be the first of some real investment in the town, we have a really good market and it’s about getting some more money back in since the recession.

“The problem has been that properties have to be left to a state of disrepair by owners. To see how bad some on the high street have been left makes me really angry.”

Development manager for Bron Afon, Robert Panou, added: “We have been working hard for many months to find a way to bring empty Pontypool buildings back into use.

“We see the renovation of the historic Greyhound as an important first step to creating a sustainable, long-term programme of property renovations in the town.”