Pub campaigner given glimmer of hope

High profile campaigner Inez Ward has been given 14 days to prove she can pay back rent arrears or face eviction.

Ward, who was declared bankrupt earlier this month, appeared in court today to face an application by Enterprise for forfeiture of the lease at Mavericks in Newquay, Cornwall.

Ward has twice previously won forfeiture hearings against the pubco in her seven-year spell and although the pub currently has no electricity, following failure to pay off an £11,500 bill, she and husband Craig have been give a glimmer of hope.

They have 14 days to submit a repayment plan to the judge for the rent arrears.

The lease is held in both her and Craig's name but only she has been declared bankrupt, meaning the pub could re-open if the licence can be transferred to his name. The electricity bill is also in Inez's name. The couple also need to obtain an electrical safety certificate.

"If we can prove we can re-open and pay back the rent arrears then we have a chance of staying," she said. "We are expecting a great season in Newquay and if I can get the pub open I think I could pay the money back."

However, the Wards will have to convince the judge the repayment plan is commercially viable.