A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save an historic 16th century village pub wrecked by fire after fears were raised the site could be snapped up by housing developers.
The Dymock Arms pub in Penley, suffered 60 per cent fire damage and 100 per cent water and smoke damage after the blaze in January. But community councillors have now written to Wrexham Council asking for something to be done to repair the Grade II listed building, amid fears that the gutted building could be sold off as a site for development.
Council clerk Rachael Coathupe-Fox said: “People do want to see it repaired and want it restored as a pub. At the last council meeting one of the councillors proposed that we write a letter to the planning department at Wrexham Council, which I have posted this week, to relay how distressed the residents of Penley are about the recent fire and how strongly they feel about the building being reinstated as a public house. It’s the oldest building in Penley so we want it restored.”
Landlord Stephen Murphy had put the pub up for sale before the fire, along with half a hectare of land, at a recommended price of just under £800,000.
The listing with estate agents Jolley and Co promoted the site’s residential development and new build potential, and Mrs Coathupe-Fox said this has given residents more cause for concern.
“I think the idea of restoring the pub has got quite a bit of backing from the residents. I think they’re worried because the site is up for sale, so they’re worried about it going to development, especially with the fire, so I think they’re trying to pre-empt the planning department,” she said.
Renovated
The pub has been known as the Dymock Arms since 1843 when it was named after a local landed family. In recent years it had been extensively renovated.
Resident Douglas Rolfe, 75, who lives nearby, used to be a regular at the bar. He said: “I was devastated when I saw it. It’s such a tragic shame. At one time it really was the heart, the hub, of the village and it’s terrible to see.”
Fire crews spent nine hours fighting the inferno in the early hours of January 20. The pub suffered substantial structural damage which is likely to cost thousands of pounds to repair.
A 25-year-old man was arrested on January 29 on suspicion of arson following the fire. A spokesman for North Wales Police said he had been released on bail.
By Pam Griffin
