‘They are just letting historic pub rot’
A MUCH-LOVED historic village pub is being left to “rot”, with the venue now closed for two years, a former regular has warned.
The Cock Inn, on the corner of the A444 and Sheepy Road, in Sibson, has been shut since November 2019, to the sadness of many villagers.
The rustic watering hole dates back more than 750 years and was once reportedly a place where Dick Turpin sought refuge from the authorities.
Marie Ainsworth, 53, was raised in the village and recently paid a visit to the former pub. She was shocked to see damage to some of the outside of the building, with parts of the wooden frame and brickwork falling away, and condensation on the windows.
A sign at the rear of the building showing the pub dates back to “circa 1250 AD” is also crumbling and there are areas of overgrown shrubs around the back.
Ms Ainsworth said: “My dad has lived here for over 70 years.
“He’s been using the pub since he was a young man. There’s so many stories from the pub. He’d meet all his friends for a pint.
“I spent many of my formative years in there playing billiards and meeting people.
“I know pubs are closing all over the place, but this one is too historically important for them to let it get into such a poor state.”
Two months ago, the Mercury was told by the pub’s owner, Star Pubs & Bars, about plans to revamp and relaunch the grade IIlisted building with a food and drink offering.
The proposal includes adding an al fresco area at the back of the pub while restoring its traditional look and adding modern furniture, once a new operator could be found. But the pub remains boarded up for the time being.
Ms Ainsworth said: “Even some of the relative newcomers who used the pub are saddened it’s not there. On Christmas occasions, you would meet people there.
“It’s tragic, really. I’m amazed they haven’t got someone in there, even just renting it until they find someone.
“They’re just letting it rot.” She is also concerned that the exposed woodwork and thatched roof could become damaged if the venue is not properly maintained, making it more expensive to refurbish.
A spokesman for Star Pubs & Bars said: “We have had interest from a number of parties but as yet nothing further to report. The maintenance will be picked up as part of the refurbishment.”
If you are interested in taking on the pub, visit the group website or call 0808 5949 596.
FORMER REGULAR AT COCK INN SAYS IT’S ‘TOO IMPORTANT’ TO BE IN SUCH ‘POOR STATE’