A NATIONAL pub chain says it has not called time on developing an eyesore former Musselburgh bingo hall � despite no work taking place since planning permission was granted more than three years ago. In late 2007, J.D. Wetherspoon was given the green light by East Lothian councillors to transform the former Hayweights bingo site on Bridge Street into a £1.8m pub � but still no work on-site has started.

The 'no-frills' pub chain had pledged to breathe fresh life into the disused 350 sq metre bingo hall by creating a massive real ale, wine and food bar, with up to 40 new jobs created.

But a spokesman for the pub chain said this week: "Right now we have no date for work starting on site or an opening date." He did, however, say the company was committed to the redevelopment.

"There really is no rhyme or reason to the delay," he said.

"We develop numerous pubs every year and some take longer than others.We want to see it developed, though, and it will be developed.

"It may be the case other sites required less work or were cheaper to develop than the Hayweights, because it's a big site.

"We do appreciate people have seen this site lying empty for some time now and understand their disappointment and frustration." Musselburgh community leaders have voiced concern at the number of disused premises in the town centre, including Hayweights.

Community councillor Alan Hay said: "These premises really are eyesores and people driving through Musselburgh are seeing a dead town." Elaine Di Rollo, who owns Di Rollo ice cream parlour, located next to the boarded-up Hayweights, has already suffered due to the former bingo hall's deteriorating condition. Part of Hayweights extends above her premises.

"Our window area was flooded two weeks before Christmas," said Elaine. "During the quick thaw after all the snow, water was coming in through Hayweights' roof.

"We contacted Wetherspoon who managed to get someone out to look at the damage.

"On Christmas Eve, though, they asked if we could get our own contractor out to repair the damage and they would reimburse us. We eventually got it fixed the following week.

"I'm hoping Wetherspoon can get their pub open as soon as possible.

"The front of the building is an absolute mess. Hopefully, once the pub is open, it will help my trade, too."