Pub chain may save Bath Arms (From Wiltshire Times)

Pub chain may save Bath Arms

3:28pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in Warminster

NATIONAL pub chain Wetherspoon is hoping to re-open The Bath Arms in Warminster town centre, which has been closed since July – and wants to add a beer garden to the rear of the Market Place pub.

The chain has now applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to build a single- storey, rear side extension and beer garden, and to alter the pub’s interior and refurbish the building.

Wetherspoon’s spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The site is one that Wetherspoons identified a while ago, but we need to wait until planning and licensing is granted first.

“We have acquired it conditionally depending on whether Wetherspoon gets planning approval from Wiltshire Council. Once planning is approved we will be in a position to take it on.

“Warminster is a town we have been interested in for a long time and we would be happy to be a part of the area in such a good location.”

Warminster Chamber of Commerce president Garry Newton has welcomed the prospect of a Wetherspoon’s pub in the town.

Mr Newton said: “I think it is another step towards the revitalisation of the town. It is filling up empty or unused space. The more new businesses we can attract the better in my view, as pubs like Wetherspoon will create more jobs and bring more people to the area.

“It may mean that pubs will have to look at their prices. There are enough drinkers to go around anyway.

“It will be nice to see the building done up and looking back to its best, because it’s a shame to see it all boarded up at the moment.”

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