THE campaign to save Penketh Tavern from closure is gaining momentum with the local parish council adding their support.
At their meeting on Wednesday Penketh Parish Council members voted unanimously to support the bid to try to save the Penketh Tavern.
Locals were shocked and dismayed when a notice of closure was sent by Warrington Housing Association giving the much loved local hub a three months notice to shut its doors.
Led by Wendi Ryan a petition was organised which gained over 500 signatures and warrington-worldwide’s own video covering the story received thousands of views online. MP.Faisal Rashid has also shown his support.
The pub has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair with works to the roof and other areas of the building having been estimated at over £20,000 which owners, Warrington Housing Association, have said they cannot pay.
Local tradesmen who use the pub have offered to help to carry out some of the repairs free of charge.
Warrington Housing Association Chief Executive, David Cummins said; “The Association purchased the Penketh Tavern in 2013.
“In 2016 Mrs Stephens (the licensee) was given a short term lease and has always been fully aware that this would come to an end at some point. As we now start to consider our options and as a consequence of the potential short terms costs of keeping the building open, we have taken the decision to give notice to end the lease in September.”
The Housing Association are planning to earmark the site for development.
Another meeting of residents and users is scheduled to take this morning (Saturday) where plans to have the building listed as an Asset of Community Value will be on the agenda.
