THE future of a local pub which has been sold by its owners remains in limbo, with no clear plans for its future.

The New Courthouse in Stanford-le-Hope closed in January by owners the Stonegate Pub Group after a dispute with their last tenant Terrence Remmell.

At the time Stonegate said they remained upbeat about the pub's future and expected it to reopen.

However, despite extensive advertising a new tenant could not be found and, until recently, the pub was boarded up.

A couple of months ago the shutters came down, leading to speculation that it might reopen but Stonegate have now confirmed they have 'disposed' of the premises.

Signage has gone up across the frontage of the building in the name of Fobbing-based AMD Property Limited is a local development and management company.

In the interim the property has been targeted by fly-tippers, with a large dump of rubbish on the frontage.

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That has prompted Thurrock Council to say: "Thurrock Council is aware that the site has been targeted by fly-tippers who have dumped what appears to be building waste on private land. The council is working with the building's owners to provide advice on the safest and most appropriate method of removal."

AMD have been asked to comment but have not yet responded.

A spokesperson for Stonegate said: "Stonegate Group disposed of the site in September. As we no longer own or manage the property, we're unable to comment or provide any further information on the work taking place."