Closed pub makes Honiton 'look like war zone' claim
A HONITON businessman is taking on a brewery – over its decision to install metal security shutters to a closed pub.
A HONITON businessman is taking on a brewery - over its decision to install metal security shutters to a closed pub.
Book dealer Graham York, whose shop is opposite the pub in High Street, has written to the chief executive of Punch Taverns, Giles Thorley, to ask why such a drastic measure needed to be taken in a small market town.
He says it's like living in a war zone and that such action is not necessary in "trouble-free" Honiton.
He has told Mr Thorley: "I notice that, overnight, perforated steel security screens have been fitted to the windows and doors of the pub and, whilst this may be company policy for inner city pubs, it hardly seems relevant to a small, trouble-free market town.
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"In fact, this shows a complete disregard for the local environment or feelings of residents - it feels as if we are living in a war zone."
Mr York told the Herald: "As the pub is on the market at the moment, this must surely affect the value and saleability of the premises, and I wonder if I am looking at a long-term derelict property."
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His message to Punch Taverns is: "I urge you to reconsider the fitting of these ugly shields, and show some regard for the sensitivity of the neighbourhood."
A spokesperson for Punch Taverns said: "It is always our priority that our pubs are focal points for the communities they serve. In the unfortunate event that a pub closes for a time, we are legally required to protect that business, regardless of its location. The shuttering is stipulated by our insurers as a security measure.
