MP meets Enterprise boss over pub future

Senior Enterprise executive Simon Townsend has met with Norwich North MP Chloe Smith to discuss the future of one its pubs in her constituency and the industry as a whole.

The Bull Inn in Hellesdon was forced to close its doors in April when licensee Patrick Cutter quit, after 13 years, having not been able to reach an agreement with Enterprise about a rent review.

The issue is yet to be resolved and the pub is becoming a target for vandals.

"I invited him [Townsend] to meet in Parliament to talk about the pub and more specific issues within the pub trade," said Conservative Smith.

"In particular I wanted to get the pub back on its feet, because incidents of vandalism are being reported and people are worried more problems will arise. We just want it back as the hub of the community and I think Enterprise is very positive about what needs to happen now."

She continued: "I was clear in addition that pub companies need to talk constructively with their tenants, and in this case sit around the table as soon as possible."

Townsend said: "I was grateful to Chloe Smith for talking the time to meet with me to discuss the issues facing pubs in her constituency and in particular the circumstances at the Bull in Hellesdon.

"We are both extremely keen to see the Bull restored to the heart of its local community following Mr Cutter's decision to close the pub as a consequence of his company's financial difficulties.

"I am pleased that Mr Cutter has now agreed to meet with my local team, and believe that Chloe's interest in the matter will have helped to make this happen."

Cutter added: "I have been in this trade for 25 years and the experience I have had at the Bull has been invaluable. I have learnt more about the difficulties of pubs in the last few years than I ever had."