Penley villagers want their pub back

Residents on the north Shropshire border say they are keen to see their village pub reinstated as soon as possible after it was gutted by a fire nine months ago.

The Dymock Arms in Penley, near Ellesmere, was destroyed in an arson attack in January and has remained closed ever since.

The pub is the only one in the village, meaning residents have been forced to travel to Hanmer or Overton to find their nearest watering hole.

Rachel Coathupe-Fox, Penley resident and parish clerk for Maelor South Community Council, said: "People in the village have been very frustrated that the pub has remained closed for so long."

She added: "Unfortunately, the damage is very much evident as a result of the fire, which doesn't look good on the village."

The 16th century Grade II listed building is on the market with Stoke-based estate agents Butters John Bee.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: "We have had a little bit of interest in the property with one or two offers, but at the moment it is still for sale."