Unaffordable homes could replace last village pub
APUB in a picturesque Cornish village closed for the last time yesterday – leaving locals fearful it could be replaced by more unaffordable homes.
The Tredrea Inn, the only pub in coastal Porthcothan, between Newquay and Padstow, will be missed, say loyal customers.
Now doubts about the future use of the site have led to speculation it could be turned into luxury flats. One person commented on social media : “So much of beautiful Cornwall is being developed on!
“I remember the peacocks roaming the garden and the penny machines and games in the garden building. So sad, another loss for the community.”
Another said: “It’s very sad, I feel for everyone who are losing their jobs, I just hope it’s not going to be more socalled luxury flats, or should that be none affordable homes for locals and second homes!”
Another local said: “It’s not like people have been banging on for ages about second homes killing everything locally. The vast majority of the pubs will end up closing, as the locals aren’t there and second-home owners are only about for a few months a year. This is the tip of the iceberg.”
Cornish historian Barry West explained that people were concerned about what type of development would replace the Tredrea Inn. In the Porthcothan valley, there are already signs of modern developments.
“A lot of the traditional old buildings are disappearing,” he said. “People are building what some are calling out-ofcharacter monstrosities.”
Mr West added: “I, like many, have enjoyed this beautiful area and its oldworld charm.
“Sadly, once-quaint cottages are being demolished for modern, out-ofcharacter, soulless constructions for the well-heeled.
“What will become of the Tredrea is not yet known, but it is hoped it will be in character and will provide somewhere special for those that love this place and they will still feel welcome and continue to enjoy the hospitality, good food and the atmosphere that draws us to sit outside on summer evenings and enjoying time with friends whilst enjoying a drink.”
The owners of the Tredrea Inn were contacted about the closure of the pub, but declined to comment.