Wedmore pub stripped by bailiffs (From Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News)

Wedmore pub stripped by bailiffs

4:20pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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A POPULAR Wedmore pub has been forced to close its doors to drinkers, after bailiffs stripped out the furniture in its bar.

The George Hotel, in Church Street, shut after a dispute between licensees John and Michelle Amesbury and the pub owners Admiral Taverns.

Bailiffs came in and took pub fittings as well as personal property away from the pub - leaving the glum couple propping up the empty bar.

But the two licensees have won the backing from the people of Wedmore - who want to see their pub back open.

Michelle told the Weekly News: “We are devastated by this.

“But the fact that the whole village is behind us is great.

“John's family have been in this village for 400 years - and we have had lots of cards from people wishing us well and everyone in Wedmore is backing us.”

The dispute started when the couple began withholding their rent, claiming vital repairs to the pub were not being carried out by its owners.

This culminated in bailiffs removing goods from the George.

A spokesperson for owners Admiral Taverns said: “After a number of months requesting payment of unpaid bills, we have taken the step of calling in the bailiffs at The George Hotel.

“This is very much a last resort and comes after numerous attempts to resolve the situation with the current tenants and agree payment of the amount outstanding.

“There is work that needs to be done to the pub and the responsibility for that work is currently being disputed.

“We hope all these matters can be resolved amicably.”

But John and Michelle now fear the future after getting embroiled in the row.

Michelle added: “We are really worried - we do not know where we will live if we have to leave the George.”

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