Residents upset at Broseley pub closure

Broseley residents Nuala O'Kane and Rod Willis said they were upset at the news and wanted people to join the protest

A beloved Shropshire pub is to close this weekend after the publican quit, with customers citing a rise in rent.

Neighbouring businesses said the Pipe Makers Arms pub in Broseley was the "heart of the community" and they were upset to learn of the closure.

A march has been organised for Friday evening to show support for the venue, with residents encouraged to join.

Punch Pubs said it was working to keep the site open and a new operator had been recruited.

Nick Dodd, from Wyld Flour Bakery, next door to the pub which until this weekend had been run by Kerry Ford, said he was saddened by the news, adding the high street needed the venue.

He said: "The last thing this place needs is empty places on the high street, so to turn, which Kerry had done amazingly, a place into the character it's got now... it's not a pub, it's not a business, it's a community and that's why everybody is so upset about it..."

Ms Ford has declined to comment.

Mr Dodd added: "She's created a family, that pub has created a family... it's heart-breaking to think that something like this could happen."

Nick Dodd, from Wyld Flour Bakery, said the loss of the pub was heart-breaking

Resident Rod Willis said the timing was unfortunate.

"Last week Broseley was voted the best place to live in Shropshire, that's not Shrewsbury, that's not Ludlow, that's little old Broseley and why is that?

"It's because of little places like this and the pub is central to that."

Another resident, Nuala O'Kane, said she wanted people to join the peaceful protest in the town from 17:45 GMT and "demonstrate against the brewery that was threatening to bring a lovely business down to its knees".

The pub was an example of someone putting their heart and soul into building up a business, she said.

"We feel very strongly that is being put under threat by somebody faceless who is a long way away," she added.

Residents are encourage to join in the march

In a statement, Ed Passey, operations director, said the pub was "an integral" part of its estate and recognised the strength of feeling in the community.

"I want to reassure people that we are working hard to ensure the pub remains open.

"We have been in constructive and positive communication with publican Kerry, following her difficult decision to serve us notice and leave the pub.

"As part of those conversations, she is aware that, for continuity purposes, a new operator has been recruited and will take over the business in the coming weeks."