Dearnford Lake can keep name after historic home owner gives permission

An events venue in Shropshire will still be able to trade under its name, a councillor has said.

Published Mar 10, 2017

Shropshire councillor Thomas Biggins, who represents Whitchurch north, previously asked Dearnford Lake to stop using its name after trademarking the title Dearnford to protect his historic 17th century home, which sits half a mile away from the lake.

Bosses at Dearnford Lake said the name change could cost them in the region of £20,000.

But now councillor Biggins said he is prepared to let Dearnford Lake keep its name.

He said: "In a breakthrough development, 'Dearnford Lake' can still be called 'Dearnford Lake'.

"Following through with my original proposal, I am prepared to give the go-ahead for the owners of Dearnford Lake to use the name 'Dearnford' and 'Lake' together.

"The agreement means that the café and events business on Tilstock Road will continue to be known as Dearnford Lake."

Councillor Biggins previously defended the move and said the "unauthorised" use of the name 'Dearnford' had created confusion over ownership, businesses and location.

Rob Bebbington, manager of Dearnford Lake, confirmed he had received councillor Biggin's approach.

He said: "I am applying for the trademark of 'Dearnford Lake' and if Mr Biggins allows that, then the two businesses can happily co-exist together.

"But we can't operate a business going forward with our neighbour allowing or not allowing us to use our name."