Petition started to save 'much-loved' and 'much-missed' historic pub

Star Pubs and Bars told Fosse 107 that they hope to start work before the summer.

Sibson villagers and local residents are holding a meeting to raise their concerns about the historic Cock Inn.

Over 500 people have signed a petition to 'save their pub' and for the owners to carry out 'urgent restoration of the Grade 2-listed' building.

The Sibson Save Our Pub Committee, said: "The Cock Inn is registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) and has been deteriorating since being left vacant in November 2019. It is a much-loved landmark in the area and a much-missed social hub for locals and visitors alike."

The Inn, is owned by Star Pubs and Bars, which is the Pub Business of HEINEKEN UK.

Councillor Jonathan Collett, said: "It is such a gorgeous, beautiful building. It really deserves to be restored and to be given prime condition because it will be incredibly appealing to people from a really wide spectrum and I think it will be very successful if reopened."

He spoke to Fosse 107

Star Pubs and Bars told Fosse 107 that getting the planning permission needed to carry out the renovation work was time-consuming and they hope to start work before the summer.

Villagers are meeting at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 at Sibson Village Hall to urge Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Star Pubs and Bars to refurbish the building.

A spokesperson from Star Pubs & Bars, said: “The Cock Inn at Sibson is a listed building that is around 800 years old and requires extensive and complex renovation work. Star Pubs & Bars is investing around £150,000 in a restoration project to undertake the necessary works and preserve this historic building. This will involve taking down an exterior retaining wall to rebuild the pub using traditional materials and in a sympathetic way. Getting the necessary planning permissions to carry out the works and finding a specialist contractor to undertake them has been time consuming. We now hope to be able to get on site and start the works as soon as possible and before the summer.

“Once this essential renovation work is completed and subject to recruiting a new operator, we would like to undertake a major £225,000 plus refurbishment to transform The Cock Inn into a characterful coaching inn, offering something for everyone. The Cock Inn is blessed with original features including exposed beams, open fireplaces, and cosy rooms. The refurbishment would retain these features and highlight the pub’s traditional character and charm, whilst sympathetically upgrading it, making it more welcoming and comfortable and adding new contemporary furniture. An alfresco area would also be added at the rear of the pub. This site offers excellent potential to a licensee looking to create a great pub known for its food and drink. Anyone interested can find out more at www.starpubs.co.uk or call 08085 949596."

Petition started by the Sibson Save Our Pub Committee

https://www.change.org/p/save-our-pub-the-cock-inn-sibson-leicestershire-circa1250