THE demolition of a landmark pub at a gateway to Burnley has started.

Contractors have removed the majority of the roof at the Derby Hotel near the M65 roundabout at junction 10 and the work should be finished in around three weeks.

Burnley Council bought the pub for £290,000. It had previously been earmarked as the BNP’s Burnley headquarters.

Plans to put a piece of public artwork in its place had been shelved due to a lack of money.