Demolition of a Chessington pub is set to restart months after work ground to a halt when the developer went bust.

John Laing Partnership, which was working with Paragon Housing to redevelop the Harrow into three blocks of flats, went into liquidation before Christmas.

The demolition company downed tools after learning it may not be paid.

Chris Whelan, development director for Paragon Housing, said: “We have been working with the administrators to identify a new developer.

“Those negotiations are at an advanced stage and should be completed next week.

“All being well, we would certainly start by the end of January.

“It has been difficult because administration is never straight forward process but we have put a lot of work in and so have the administrators.

“It is more delay more than loss. There's no significant financial delay at all.”

Richard Heath, chairman of the Chessington District Residents' Association, said: "I'm glad it is not going to be a building site for the forseeable future which was the prospect withiut a developer.

"It is just too many hoardings along that road.

The Harrow pub dates back as far as 1851 and in the 1930s it was a popular gathering place for the west Surrey hunt, which had stables next door.