Reprieved pub is closed again due to lack of trade

A pub saved from demolition by villagers has been forced to close for a second time due to lack of trade.​ The Castle Inn, in George Nympton, near South Molton, Devon, was re-opened in December 2004 after villagers fought for its survival.

But the pub, the only one in the village, has now closed again after its owners Mentor Inns decided it was not profitable enough.

Tenant Tony Styles said the small number of villagers who used the pub had been very disappointing. "We haven't had the support we were promised from the locals," he said. "Those who have got behind us have been very good, but we could have done with a lot more people coming in on a regular basis."

Mr Styles said he had run a number of events in order to attract customers. "We've had live music, charity events, pig roasts, a beer festival and a fête - we've really tried to make a go of it," he added.

Mentor Inns bought the site in 2004 after it had been closed for several months. After attempts to attract a new licensee failed, the company applied for planning permission to demolish the building and replace it with five luxury houses. But the plan attracted so much local criticism the company had second thoughts and re-opened the pub.

Local resident Jannette Menday, who led the campaign to resurrect the pub, claimed Mentor did not do enough to support Mr Styles. She also criticised Mr Styles for banning some of the locals who had previously used the pub. "There were around 12 to 15 people who went in the pub after work, but they were banned for making the carpet dirty," she told The Publican.

Shaun Wootton, managing director of Mentor, said the company had made an effort to make the place viable. "We redecorated the outside of the pub in a bid to attract more customers," he said. "But we just haven't had the support from villagers."

Mr Wootton said a property firm was now going to market the pub, but Mentor was also looking at building two houses at the back of the site.

He added he was still prepared to "give it one more go" as a pub.