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Brewery raises a glass to resort pub
BREWERY bosses have pledged to re-open a popular Blackpool pub.
The Welcome Inn on Vicarage Lane, Marton, stands closed with the threat of the bulldozer over it.
It had been relaunched in September last year with celebrity backing in the guise of former Blackpool FC star John Hills.
Landlord Andy Trotter was given three years to turn the business around and prove it could be run as a going concern after Marston's reported profits down 120 per cent.
But at the same time the brewery applied to Blackpool Council for planning permission to tear down the building and replace it with shops and flats.
They were given the go-ahead for the scheme, which includes provision for a smaller licensed premises, in January this year.
But the firm say they are anxious to get the venue trading again.
A spokesman for the brewer said: "Marston's Pub Company is seeking possession of the Welcome Inn from the current licensee alleging breach of the tenancy agreement.
"Marston's is currently looking for new tenants to take over the Welcome Inn and will be re-opening the pub as soon as possible."
Mr Trotter took the pub on a three-year lease and soon after reported takings had doubled.
He was unavailable for comment but John Hills said his involvement with the pub had lasted only a few months because his footballing commitments with Fleetwood Town had taken priority.
When the brewery applied for planning permission, bosses told the council it no longer made financial sense to run such a large pub and it wanted to develop the site to include housing and retail units.
The firm said turnover had fallen by 38 per cent over the previous three years, with overall profits down 120 per cent.
Residents objected, claiming it would mean the loss of a community facility and create more noise and disturbance.
Planning officers told the council the development was "acceptable and in accordance with planning policy".
The Welcome was crowned local Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA) pub of the year in 1990.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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