THREE St Annes solicitors could soon be called to the bar, if a proposed new pub is granted a drinks licence.

Pub chain giants JD Wetherspoon are appearing at Blackpool Magistrates' Court today (September 7) to apply for a drinks licence for the new pub in the old Ingham, Clegg and Crowther solicitors buildings in Wood Street, St Annes.

If the licence is granted, work on the new £800,000 pub could begin in January 2001 and it could be finished as early as May, creating an extra 20-25 jobs for the town.

Spokesman for JD Wetherspoons Eddie Gershon confirmed the application, when he said: "We are applying to transform 36-38 Wood Street into a new pub and we will find out today if we have a drinking licence.

"If all goes well we can begin building in the new year and be ready before the summer."

The pub will be the second Wetherspoons outlet on the Fylde coast - the other one is The Auctioneer on Lytham Road in Blackpool. Typical characteristics of the chain are a large, spacious interior, no loud music, designated no smoking areas and good disabled access.