Residents have hit out after a Wem pub was boarded up with metal shutters creating a ‘ghetto’ effect just days before the town’s popular Eckford Sweet Pea Show this weekend.
Last week the large metal sheets were installed around the doors and windows of the Albion Inn, on Aston Street, which was shut without warning in May.
But concerned town officials believe the shutters could affect tourism in the town as they prepare to welcome hundreds of visitors to this year’s popular flower show.
Last December bosses from Punch Taverns placed metal shutters around the White Horse Pub on the High Street which residents said gave the impression of the town being a ‘ghetto’.
Philip Belchere, conservation officer from North Shropshire District Council, then forced the company to remove the shutters on the basis that the pub was in a conservation area.
But Punch Taverns has now done the same to the Albion Inn – also in a conservation area – claiming it has been subjected to an attempted break-in.
Peggy Carson, Wem town and district councillor, said she had heard from a number of people who were upset that the company had put up shutters again.
“I have been having a lot of complaints from people about the Albion Inn,” she said. “They have put shutters all over the windows. We have got the new development across the road and if anyone new comes to the town they will think it is a ghetto.
“There are also people passing on the trains looking out and seeing it.
“It doesn’t look nice and with the sweet pea show it means people are coming in by train. They will see it and will think there is a lot of vandalism here.”
A spokesperson for the pub chain said: “Punch Taverns put up the shutters at the Albion Inn following police advice, after what we believe to be an attempted break-in at the property. We have an obligation to protect the pub and keep it safe, as well as a need to conform to our insurance requirements.
“Punch Taverns is actively seeking a new licensee for the Albion Inn. We hope the pub will continue to be an important part of Wem.”
A spokesperson for North Shropshire District Council said they were aware of the situation and were looking into it.
* What do you think? Is the pub an eyesore affecting tourism? Write in to The Editor, North Shropshire Chronicle, Chronicle House, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY1 2DN, or email jbutterworth@northshrop shirechronicle.co.uk
