Locals chip in to get pub back in business

A landlady of a Shropshire pub severely damaged by fire is hoping to be back in business within a few weeks thanks to help she has received from residents.

The Three Horseshoes, in Wheathill, between Ludlow and Bridgnorth, has been closed since a blaze destroyed the pub's main lounge and ripped through the living quarters at the weekend, causing damage which will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

Now landlady Lesley Banks is hoping she will be back behind the bar pulling pints within weeks.

Colleague Chris Mann said major reconstruction would be needed to fully repair the two-storey property.

"Everyone is really pulling together and as soon as we get the go-ahead on safety grounds we will be open for business again," said Mr Mann.

He joined landlady Mrs Banks in paying tribute to the help received from pub regulars since the fire in the early hours of Saturday.

"The locals have been marvellous. Just hours after the fire, two regulars turned up with building materials and tarpaulins to help seal off exposed parts of the pub," said Mr Mann.

Other villagers have helped supply clothes and household essentials for Mrs Banks who is living in a caravan next to the pub while investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

Mrs Banks was alerted to the blaze by pet Rottweiller Brannigan who jumped on her bed and woke her as flames spread through the pub.