THE former Merry Harriers at Clayhidon, demolished after two arson attacks, will be rebuilt, says its owner.

The pub first went up in flames in July 2016, and was burnt down in December 2016. It then lay derelict until last month when the ruins were demolished.

Now the landowner is planning a new pub on the site and hopes to be able to move it back from the road. He also says a national chain has expressed interest in the project.

Reg Payne said: “It’s going to be rebuilt. The insurance companies have agreed a settlement. It took a long time because the fires were suspicious.

“I’ve been approached by a national chain but I can’t tell you much about that at the moment. It will be done as soon as possible depending on the planning.

“In an ideal world we would like to move it back from the road but that depends on the planning permission, of course.”

Avon and Somerset Police treated both fires as arson but no one was arrested. They say they are still eager to hear from anyone with any information in connection with either incident.