THE conversion of an historic North East pub into a convenience store appeared to be underway today.

Heavy machinery was seen at work on land next to the Platform 1 pub, which once stood beside the trackbed of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, 

Plans were approved in June this year for the site of the pub, formerly The Fighting Cocks, to be transformed into a Sainsbury’s Local.

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The Northern Echo: Plans were approved back in June for the pub to be knocked down and for a Sainsbury's Local to take it's place. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPlans were approved back in June for the pub to be knocked down and for a Sainsbury's Local to take it's place. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

At the planning meeting last summer, multiple groups and 149 objections were lodged, based on its proud link to Darlington and neighbouring villages.

It was seen by many as a blow to the area’s rail heritage, while the local authority goes forward with extravagant plans to celebrate the first passenger railway’s bi-centenary.

Some residents, however, welcome a convenience shop on their doorsteps, despite the pub’s historical link to the birth of the railways.

Read more: Why this Darlington woman 'burst into tears' after planning application was approved

The Northern Echo: In April 2020, the pub was listed as an Asset of Community Value, after it was nominated by Middleton St George Parish Council. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTIn April 2020, the pub was listed as an Asset of Community Value, after it was nominated by Middleton St George Parish Council. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

In April 2020, the pub was listed as an Asset of Community Value, after it was nominated by Middleton St George Parish Council.

In an article on The Northern Echo's website from June 2021, commenters were not shy in airing their views on the proposed demolition.

One reader said: “Let’s see how many of the unhappy residents start using the shop once it’s open for business??? 

"Probably use that shop more than they ever went in the pub.”

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Another said: “As a pub the place has proven to be no longer economically viable and as such any argument to keep it/reopen it, is doomed. I took a drive or rather a detour via

Middleton St. George at the weekend specifically to look at Platform 1 and it looks hideous. One thing is for certain: it can’t stay as it currently stands.”

Another added: “Recent housing development along Yarm Road and adjacent to the A67 has transformed the village. A Sainsbury’s will complete the transformation.”

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Yesterday a Facebook user said: “It could spell the end for our two local shops that have served us for years and probably employ 20+ staff.”

Another Facebook user said: “It’s an eyesore and has been for years. There are some who remember the halcyon days of The Fighting Cocks and somehow think it could be revived. It will serve the wider community better as a shop.”

Another said: “I’m all for it. Cannot be bad when creating jobs.”

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