Petition to save pub backed by 2500 people

The petition will be formally presented to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council at its full council meeting on Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 6.30pm by local Borough Councillor Miriam Surtees. 

Campaigners say that both the owners of the pub, Heineken’s Star Pubs & Bars, and Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council continue to take no meaningful action to save the site which has been vacant for six years. 

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

Campaign chairman, Mr Joshua Melen, has accused the authority of “prolonged and unacceptable failure” to protect the heritage asset.

He said states:

“The building has deteriorated significantly and continues to suffer visible and worsening damage. Despite years of neglect, there has been no intervention by the Council to compel the owner, Star Pubs & Bars, to address the condition of the property. The continued failure to serve a Section 215 Notice under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, despite the obvious and ongoing harm to the amenity of the area, suggests a serious lapse in the exercise of the Council’s statutory powers.”

The complaint demands a full explanation for the lack of enforcement, details of any engagement with the owner, and an immediate time-bound commitment to action. Sheepy Parish Council, which represents the area in which the Cock Inn is located, also resolved at a recent public meeting to write a formal letter of complaint to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

The campaign group claim that four years ago, specialist consulting engineers with extensive experience in historic structures assessed the pub. Following multiple site visits, they concluded that the main timber supporting frame on the exterior of the building requires significant repair and replacement works to stabilise the structure and prevent further deterioration.

Mr Melen 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.” The Save Our Pub! campaign group is calling on both Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken) and the Borough Council to act decisively to save this irreplaceable historic building before it is too late.

When the petition was launched in March 2026, a spokesperson for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said: 

“As the local planning authority, the Borough Council has granted listed building consent for repair works to this historically significant building to address concerns about its condition. The council’s Conservation Officer has been in recent discussions with the building owner Star’s project manager and contractors, and a site meeting is scheduled later this month to agree how works to address immediate concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the building will be carried out. Once this is confirmed, the council will formally request clear and achievable timescales for delivery from Star. We recognise the strength of local feeling and the importance of conserving this listed building for the long term. We will closely monitor progress. If agreed timescales are not met, the council will consider the options available to ensure the building is properly conserved." 

A spokesperson from Star Pubs, told Fosse 107 on 6th March 2026: 

It is still very much our intention to undertake a major refurbishment to reopen The Cock Inn at Sibson, once we have found a new operator to work with us. In fact, this was due to happen last year but, due to circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to progress with our preferred operator at the time. Despite this, we were able to undertake extensive structural works prior to commencement of the refurbishment itself.We immediately began the recruitment process again and we’re happy to say there has been a lot of strong interest in The Cock Inn from potential candidates. As such we hope to be able to confirm a new operator soon, and with it the start date for refurbishment works, which will see the renovation of the building, restoring its many original features and transforming The Cock Inn into a top-quality pub serving great food. We look forward to sharing more details on this in due course once the project is further advanced.”