Historic pub revamp begins but concerns remain
BBCWork has started to restore a historic pub in Leicestershire which fell into disrepair after it closed in 2019.
Villagers in Sibson, near Market Bosworth, have been campaigning for the renovation of the Grade II listed Cock Inn, which is claimed to have been a haunt of highwayman Dick Turpin.
The pub's operator, Star Pubs & Bars, said it had begun "restorative work" on the 750-year-old building ahead of a planned full refurbishment in the coming months.
However, campaigners said they remained frustrated with the progress of the project.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council planning and conservation officers have been in discussions with the company about the works to the timber-framed property.
Council leader Stuart Bray told the BBC: "It's essential we get this very important bit of the borough's heritage restored and reopened as soon as possible.
"I'm pleased the owners have engaged with us but I am critical of how long it has taken and if the work starts again I won't hesitate to use the council's enforcement powers."
Under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act, councils can issue an order requiring a building's owner to carry out improvement work if its condition is affecting the amenity of the surrounding area.
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."
Jonathan Collett, one of the campaigners pushing for the pub to re-open, said: "We're still sceptical.
"It looks like preliminary work so far with the replacement of a window.
"We'll be happier when we see much more of the work done and we're still really frustrated by how long it has taken to get here.
"We still think the council should have issued a 215 notice to make Star Pubs do the work."
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