Last orders for pub
The axe is set to fall on another Shropshire country pub, which could be converted into homes, it emerged today.
Landlords John and Karen Jenkins took over the Woodcock Inn at Pulverbatch in 1997 and say the pub has been losing money for years. Trade has dropped to just 12 customers on its busiest night.
Church Pulverbatch Parish Council chairman Bill Higgins said the couple have been great supporters of the community. They even cooked a Christmas dinner for schoolchildren - but trade was too tough to keep going.
The pub was put up for sale but attracted no buyers, and Mr and Mrs Jenkins are now seeking permission to convert it into three homes.
The news comes just weeks after plans emerged to shut the Swan at Frodesley and convert it into housing.
The Woodcock planning application states that the pub now relies mainly on the food trade, built up by Mr Jenkins's reputation as a chef.
However the pub is closed on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, due to lack of trade, and the typical use by drinkers on other days is as follows: Sunday, four to six people; Thursday, zero to four people; Friday, eight to 12 people; Saturday, six to eight people.
To offset the pub loss, Mr Jenkins has an army pension, and Mrs Jenkins works at Copthorne Barracks.
Councillor Higgins said Mr Jenkins had attended a meeting of the parish council on Thursday to outline the plans.
"He made a public statement and is sending a flyer around to all the residents to say why he doing what he is doing," he said.
"He has been there 10 years and for the last seven it's been on the market, but with no takers.
"Like a lot of country pubs they are finding it very difficult. John and Karen have been great supporters of the local school at Longden and cooked them a Christmas dinner last year.
"They are very popular and it's sad, but people recognise the difficulties on the licence trade. I haven't heard any opposition as yet."
The application adds that Mr and Mrs Jenkins hope to live in one of the new homes if they are built, to bring up their family in an environment they "know and love".
By Alys Cummings
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