FLATS for homeless people have been opened in a former pub where the Beatles once popped in for a drink.

River Dee Community Church in Flint and Christian charity Green Pastures Housing have opened 12 new flats in the former Talbot Arms Hotel in Holywell.

The flats on Well Street, which are intended to house homeless people and help them get back on their feet, were officially opened on Friday by River Dee
Community Church Pastor Stephen Harmes.

Speaking at the opening he said: “Here at Talbot Court we have a vision for a supported and cared for community made up of individuals and families, some working, some coming from a homeless situation, but coming together to form a community which will care for itself and, in turn, form part of the greater community of Flintshire.”

The Beatles visited the building after they had played a concert in Mold in 1963 and stopped in Holywell for a post-gig tipple.

Former landlord Ian Brown, 18 at the time, was at the concert with his 17-year-old sister Moya when the pair invited John, Paul, George and Ringo back to the pub.

Speaking to the Leader in February to mark 50 years since the Beatles played their debut gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, Mr Brown said the group ate snack food and drank beer as John Lennon tinkled on the piano.

Green Pastures Housing has two other properties in Flintshire – Strand Villas in Bagillt and Ebenezer Chapel in Holywell.

The opening was attended by local dignitaries including Sandy Mewies, AM, who gave a short address before guests enjoyed a free lunch.