Publican urges Enterprise to rebuild fire-hit pub
The blaze, which was believed to have started in the pub’s laundry room, broke out at the Tayleur Arms in Longdon-on-Tern during the early hours of 19 March, causing the roof to collapse.
This week demolition work started on the shell of the building, amid fears over health and safety.
However, tenants Richard and Eve Harvey, who ran the pub for five years and decided to remain on site in a caravan, said they have still not received clarification from Enterprise on whether it will be rebuilt.
“We’re still in the dark at the moment,” Eve said. “Enterprise has been very vague — they haven’t said yes or no.”
'Viable'
However, she said she is positive the business will eventually be up and running again.
“[Enterprise is] aware we were one of their top pubs. They’re aware of the business we were running for five years for them and the impact it had on the community, so they know it’s a good, viable business.
“They said if it was just a back street pub it would be a no-no, so we’re feeling positive.”
She added that she has already started receiving money from her insurance company for business interruption. Enterprise stopped charging them for rent on the day the fire began and froze the remaining five years on their lease.
A Facebook page titled ‘Rebuild the Tayleur Arms’ was launched by resident Roy Williams, who lives opposite the pub, to put pressure on the pubco, and has received more than 2,100 likes.
“The fear is that after the pub is demolished Enterprise will look at it and say ‘it would be nice for housing’,” said Williams. “We’re all keeping an eye on it, but they’re not saying much.”
'Assessing our options'
An Enterprise spokesman said: “We continue to offer Richard and Eve our full support at what is a difficult time. Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, we have been advised by surveyors that it is necessary for the remainder of the main building to be demolished on safety grounds.
“Currently, we are continuing to work with the surveyors to assess our options on rebuilding and we will provide a further update at the earliest opportunity.”
