Meifod residents shocked by pub closure

The Kings Head in Meifod, near Welshpool, which had been run by temporary landlords in recent months on behalf of Admiral Taverns, was boarded up on Saturday, after closing earlier in the week.

The closure has shocked the community, with many residents calling for a reversal of the decision.

Village resident Katherine Gilmour said the closure was a "sad shame" for the community.

She said: "It's come totally out the blue for everyone because in recent months things had been on the up.

"Admiral Taverns had brought in temporary landlords who were doing a great job and they were really happy with the pub, and actually said they'd have been happy to carry on.

"The temporary landlords had started running regular coffee mornings, quiz nights, all sorts of different events, as well as serving good food and good beer.

"There was a really lovely community feel and people were starting to use the pub more, so it's a real sad shame that it's all been cut short, especially before the summer and tourist trade would have started to come in.

"The community has lost its hub and that's a big shame."

Mrs Gilmour said she also fears the Grade II listed building will become an eyesore if left boarded up.

She said: "As the main tourist season approaches, we don't really want the pub to become an eyesore. It won't give visitors the best impression of the area, and the ivy that covers the building is starting to get into the roof space, and that will only get worse if the building is left."

Neal Barnes, a spokesman for Admiral Taverns, said: "From time to time we have to review where a pub fits within our portfolio.

"Unfortunately, we do not believe the Kings Head has a long-term future as a part of our business and as such we will be putting the pub on the market for sale over the coming weeks."