New life for Pontesbury pub which is set to create jobs
The future of a threatened Shropshire pub has been saved and eight new jobs will be created following the intervention of two local couples.
The Nags Head in Pontesbury was formerly owned by Punch Taverns who applied for planning permission to redevelop the site for housing, causing over 60 objections to be sent to the local council.
Ian and Jane Vance, and Howard and Ann Thorne have now jointly bought the pub and plan to preserve the place and bring it back to the heart of village life.
Ian Vance said: “Having lived in Pontesbury all my life, I know just how important the Nags Head has been to so many people. The village has already lost two other pubs in recent years and we certainly didn’t want to lose another one.
“Our aim is to completely renovate and extend the pub to create a traditional public bar, a comfortable lounge and a restaurant serving good quality local food.
“Upon completion of the project we will also be looking to create around eight new jobs, which is even more positive news for the village.”
The new owners have appointed a local architect for the scheme and expect the work to begin in the next few months, with the pub being open for business as usual in the meantime.
