Punch tenant calls for more pubco support

Beverley Conoley, who runs the Wordsworth Hotel in Cockermouth, told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser: ​ “I’ve been here since 2008 and I’ve put a lot of money back into the pub- it’s beautiful.

"However, it’s been very difficult and I feel like the pub companies don’t care. We’re in a small town but the prices I pay seem like London prices. Businesses round here are still struggling from the floods five years ago. It’s been a rollercoaster that we’ve battled through and they should be more understanding.”

She added that road closures in the area had had a significant impact on trade. However, a spokesperson from Punch Taverns stressed that all available help had been given.

“We have looked long and hard at Mrs Conoley’s situation over the past two years. In 2014, following a change in trading circumstances we instituted a permanent rent reduction of over £25,000.

"Unfortunately, although Mrs Conoley did pay some rent, she did not fulfil her contractual obligation, and the consequence of this is that a significant debt has now built up on her account.

“With the lease due to expire next year and her debt in no way reducing, we were forced to take the difficult decision to seek re-possession of the pub. This is not a decision we take lightly and are saddened that we now have to take this action.”