Market Drayton pub landlord defends customers over churchyard damage
A Market Drayton pub landlord has defended his customers following suggestions they were responsible for damage caused to headstones in a churchyard in the town.
Tristan Fletcher, owner of the Clive & Coffyne pub in Shropshire Street, said
was not caused by his customers.
Last week it was revealed vandals had smashed windows and destroyed gravestones which were more than 100 years old.
It was the fourth time in the past 12 months that police have been called to deal with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the churchyard.
However, Mr Fletcher moved to deny suggestions the damage was caused by any of his customers.
He said: "This was an awful act which took place in the churchyard but it certainly was not my customers who were involved and they should not be blamed.
"It's nothing to do with my business and I'm very disappointed that my name is being dragged through the mud by people who are ill-informed.
"I've invested in CCTV which has helped the police solve unrelated crimes and I pride myself on my business reputation especially as we are only in a very small town.
"My customers are not the type to cause this sort of the trouble. If they were they would not be my customers."
Mr Fletcher said he was disappointed his pub and other pubs in the area were mentioned when alcohol is readily available elsewhere.
He said: "I think it's a disgrace what has happened in the churchyard but it is also a disgrace that we have been mentioned in connection with it just because we are close by and have a late licence. But anyone can buy alcohol from a number of places and take it wherever they like. I work really hard not to upset my neighbours and we all need to work together if we can to prevent things like this happening."
