The restoration of a derelict pub in Swindon has been delayed.

Work started to restore the former Toot and Whistle pub, known more recently as the Village Tavern, back to life in August last year. 

But after major progress was made in August of this year, things have been rather slow since, with the steering group in control of £1million in lottery funding for the project, Toothill Big Local, announcing this in September. 

In a post on its Facebook page in September, a spokesperson said: "We're sorry that we haven't any good news to bring you at the minute - contractor delays continue and we're working hard to resolve them."

Then, earlier this month a member of the public asked for an update following the initial delays announced in September, and a spokesperson for the group replied with the following.

"Unfortunately due to ongoing contractor delays, we don't have an opening date just yet. But as soon as we do we will be letting everybody know!"

The work on the inside of the building was initially supposed to have been finished by the end of August this year, with the group then looking to get the venue up and running as a community hub for local people, providing a variety of sought-after services.

In a previous statement, a spokesperson confirmed that the new community facility will be.

They said: "The Hub @ Toothill CIC will provide a family pub with great food and fantastic space for a range of community activities."

When the £1m share of £200m that the National Lottery gave to 150 neighbourhoods across England was awarded to Toothill, locals said the derelict building was one of their biggest priorities. 

Following this, Toothill Big Local acquired a 62-year lease on the abandoned site in 2019, but Covid-19 stalled any progress.

But in June 2021, invitations to tender for construction work were sent out, and the group revealed that the work would be starting shortly with an update on Facebook.

Plans showed that the current ongoing construction work is forecast to cost around £741,204 which includes the installation of new heating, wifi, electrics, doors, and toilets and the installation of the family pub, kitchen, a defibrillator and children's areas. 

This is on top of £468,296 already spent to acquire the lease, register as a community interest company and other administrative costs.