TENS of thousands of pounds are to be spent modernising a Fenland pub – and to provide an area for lighting up when the smoking ban is introduced this summer. Scottish and Newcastle Brewery says the Railway Inn, in Station Road, Whittlesey, has fallen i

TENS of thousands of pounds are to be spent modernising a Fenland pub - and to provide an area for 'lighting up' when the smoking ban is introduced this summer.

Scottish and Newcastle Brewery says the Railway Inn, in Station Road, Whittlesey, has fallen into disrepair over a number of years.

It says its proposals "will bring back into use a neglected building that has outlived its purposes in its current state, which may otherwise face dereliction or decay".

But the lack of care and investment is about to change after a successful bid to Fenland District Council to create a new single-storey extension, new entrance lobby and pergola.

"The covered pergola to the existing fire exit will allow designated smoking," said the brewery spokesman.

The company says its plans will address many of the defects suffered by the pub in recent years, with a new dining room overlooking the revitalised garden and patio areas.

The brewery says the re-development will be of a high design standard, will preserve and contribute to the character and appearance of the surroundings and create an attractive place for people to visit.

- Major improvement of Whittlesey's George Hotel has also been agreed with the owner stating that "its original function of public house is to be reinstated".

Listed building consent has been agreed for a number of measures, including provision of facilities for the disabled.

"The first floor will, in time, be restored and upgraded to fulfil its original function of a small hotel," the owners say in a statement to Fenland Council.