A DURHAM pub could be taking its last orders following plans to convert it into housing for young people at risk of becoming homeless.

Durham Action on Single Housing [DASH] has submitted proposals to concert the Last Orders, part of the Sunderland Road Estate in Gilesgate Moor, into seven one-bedroom flats and offices.

The pub has been on the market since January 2014 but because no-one has come forward to buy it, permission is being sought to convert it into housing and offices.

DASH wants to use the offices and meeting room, while the flats would be let out to young people aged between 18 and 24 who need stable accommodation to help them carry out training or education.

The scheme would be partially funded through a programme to create shared accommodation with affordable rents for young people who are homeless or at risk or becoming so.

The application says: “DASH considers that this innovative project will provide a valuable ‘step on the ladder’ for young people whose housing is at risk, to enable them to complete their training or courses successfully, and this is turn will help them obtain work and live independently within the community.”

It adds that the loss of the pub would reduce antisocial behaviour in the area and local drinkers would be able to visit The Shoes in Sunderland Road.