Work planned to restore historic 'Dick Turpin' pub

Plans have been drawn up to restore a historic pub in Leicestershire that has fallen into disrepair since it closed in 2019.

Residents in Sibson, near Market Bosworth, have said they are concerned about the run-down state of the Grade II listed Cock Inn, which is believed to have been a haunt of highwayman Dick Turpin.

More than 2,500 people have signed a petition urging Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and the pub's operator, Star Pubs & Bars, to take steps to renovate and reopen the 750-year-old venue.

The petition is due to be presented to the council at a meeting on Tuesday.

Council planning officers said they had recently held talks over a restoration plan with the company

However, campaigners said they had heard similar promises before and they want the authority to use enforcement powers to ensure works are carried out.

A borough council spokesperson said: "Officers are in contact with Star Pubs & Bars and the building owners.

"Our conservation officer recently met on site with Star's professional team to discuss the repairs needed to the Grade II-listed building.

"We are now awaiting written confirmation of the repair programme, timescales, and proposals to secure an operator and reopen the pub."

The council said it would monitor progress on the work.

The spokesperson added: "If formal enforcement is needed, we must follow the legal process and use the most appropriate powers.

"If an agreed, deliverable plan is not provided or timescales are not met, we will use relevant enforcement powers to help secure repair and conservation of this community asset."

A spokesperson for Star Pubs said: "We undertook significant structural works at The Cock Inn at the end of 2025.

"We have since met with the council to agree a second phase of works that is required before any refurbishment can begin.

"The Cock Inn is a historic listed building and any building works have to be signed off by the council.

"Our specialist contractors are currently completing detailed drawings of this second phase of works for submission to the council.

"Once approved, we will complete the renovation of an external wall, making it structurally sound, and undertake some internal repairs.

"In the meantime, we are tidying up the outside of the site, such as replacing the fence and pruning."

The firm said it was considering applications from "strong candidates" hoping to take over the running of the pub.

Sibson's county councillor Joshua Melen, who chairs the Save Our Pub! campaign group, said: "The Cock Inn is not just another village pub, it is a building of national historic importance and a treasured part of our local community.

"For centuries it has been a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

"Residents have heard many promises over the past six years about restoration and reopening, but those promises have yet to translate into visible progress.

"Meanwhile the building continues to deteriorate.

"It is vital that urgent restoration works are now undertaken before further damage occurs."

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