Locals keep pub open after bailiffs visit

A community is so keen to keep its local open that it has rallied round to replenish goods taken away by the bailiffs.

Licensee Andy Prestwich has managed to keep the Sun Inn at Liddington near Swindon open for four weeks despite bailiffs virtually gutting the premises.

Regulars and other pubs in the area have provided tables and chairs, cutlery and even Optics to ensure the pub carries on trading.

Andy, who has held the lease for two years, said: "The fact that people have shown such support is because we are at the heart of the community and they want their pub to stay open.

"They have provided everything here - apart from the drink which I now get from a local wholesaler at a much better price."

The bailiffs were sent by pub landlord Admiral Taverns due to Andy owing the company £26,000 in rent arrears and fines for buying out of the tie.

He said problems started last winter when there was a disagreement over delivering in the snow and that the relationship between him and the company has broken down.

"I did buy out and I do owe them money but it is not much when you consider Admiral had up to £600m written off in its debt for equity deal with Lloyds."

He added that he would keep the pub running for as long as possible.

"We were expecting them to go for eviction but we have not heard from them since the bailiffs arrived."

A spokesperson for Admiral Taverns said: "We are currently in talks with the landlord of the Sun Inn and no final decision has yet been made about his future at the pub."