A locally run pub and hotel providing jobs for the people of north Pembrokeshire, this was the vision put forward to Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of trade by the new owner of Fishguard’s Abergwaun Hotel, Andrew Brown.

Mr Brown, the MD of a Bristol based construction company told the meeting he has bought the hotel as part of his pension investments.

On Monday conditional planning permission to transform the neglected building into a mixed use premises comprising a pub, hotel, craft shop and two flats was granted by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr Brown explained that the ground floor of the 18th century building would be used as a gastro pub while the old Bumbles Bistro area will be a craft market, where around six local craftspeople can make and sell their work.

The first floor of the building will comprise of six bedrooms belonging to the pub and the living areas of a large self-contained holiday let property.

The second floor would house a manager’s flat for the manager of the pub and the bedrooms of the holiday flat.

Mr Brown explained that he would invite local tenders for the building work and would want the premises to be managed and staffed by locals. He said he was attracted to Fishguard as a town on the up.

“I see Fishguard as an up and coming place as regards all the festivals and events,” he said. “We’ve got to work collectively to bring the whole of the town up and bring the footfall in.”

The plans were welcomed by the meeting.

“The whole of the town has wanted this building done up for a very long time,” said former mayor Richard Grosvenor. “I welcome this.”

Chairman of the chamber of trade Andrew Thomas added: “It’s about time that something was done. It’s been an eyesore for years. There are some cracking plans there. If you are using local people then it’s going to benefit us all hands down.”