Restoration work has begun on an historic Leicestershire pub after a hard-fought battle by campaigners who say they won’t “let up” until “essential” structural work is done.
The Cock Inn, located in Sibston, has been closed since 2019 and has fallen into a state of disrepair despite being a Grade II-listed building. It is believed to have once been a regular haunt of the highwayman, Dick Turpin.
It follows a petition signed by more than 2,700 people that was addressed to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC), urging it to intervene and, if necessary, use section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act to compel the owner, Star Pubs and Bars, to carry out restorative work.
Under the act, the council can legally force landlords to clean up untidy land or buildings when the poor condition of a property is harming the visual amenity or environment of the surrounding area.
It was confirmed last month by HBBC leaders that work would begin this month to bring the pub into a better state, with work starting earlier this week.
While a spokesperson for Star says they intend to carry out a full refurbishment of the pub over the summer, with a view to an ‘early autumn’ reopening.
Interior design group Soda has been called in to start work on the pub, but campaigners have said it is “only the beginning”.
Jonathan Collett, one of the campaigners, said: “No one should be under any illusions that this is cosmetic work at the moment.
“It’s not the major structural work that is needed to protect one of the most important buildings in the country, frankly.”
“We feel completely let down by both Star Pubs and Bars and by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
“We’re not going to let up because this building is an important hub of the community and it’s really sadly missed”.
Campaigners have also said they hope that Lib Dem leader Cllr Stuart Bray will “stick to his word” in case the upcoming structural work falls through or isn’t completed.
It is understood that planning permission will be required from the council to undertake major structural work to the Grade II-listed building.
Cllr Stuart Bray, leader of the borough council, said he was “delighted” that work had begun on the pub and said he wouldn’t hesitate to bring enforcement action if work stalls.
He added: “Local people have waited long enough for this to be brought back into use and I won’t hesitate to ask officers to begin enforcement proceedings should progress stall again.
A spokesperson for Star Pubs & Bars said: “We are doing restorative work on the property with the intention of undertaking a full refurbishment of The Cock Inn over the summer.
“We can confirm that we have an interested party currently going through the legal process to take on the pub with a view to an early autumn opening.”
By Chris Harper (Local Democracy Reporter)
