‘I was trying to brighten spirits’, says pub licensee
OWNERS OF a famous pub have been told by the council they must return it to white after colouring it bright yellow.
Matthanee Nilavongse and Richard Walker, who run the Golden Lion at Rochdale Road, Todmorden, have been warned if they do not paint it back they may face a hefty £20,000 fine, imprisonment or both.
An online petition has been launched urging the couple be allowed to let the pub, which is a Grade II listed building, remain yellow.
Ms Nilavongse said: “Todmorden has much more to offer than its heritage, and yellow is the colour of happiness and hope.
“We’re going to have the town planted with yellow sunflowers to greet us all when these dark days are over.”
Gig says the Golden Lion were asked along with other local businesses to help brighten up their town, so they did just that by painting the gable end of their white building yellow, to raise during the coronavirus pandemic.
The council says it had to respond to the issue but hopes an amicable solution can be found with the owners.
Calderdale’s Cabinet member for Regeneration and Resources, Coun Jane Scullion said: “After receiving a complaint about work carried out to the Golden Lion, we wrote to the owners.
“We have a duty to investigate alleged breaches of planning control and works to listed buildings, which are a particular concern to us.”
But the couple say much of what the pub does is of benefit to the community and were stunned to be threatened with a fine after doing something they believe is positive.
During Storm Ciara flooding, food and drink was shared out to local people at the expense of the pub owners, Ms Nilavongse said.
“We understand the contribution this venue makes to the cultural and economic life of Todmorden and we’d like to work with the owners to achieve a mutually agreeable solution,” said Coun Scullion.
The council recieved complaints about the colour with permission not being sought.
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