Wetherspoons site vandalised (From Free Press Series)

Wetherspoons site vandalised

BOSSES at pub chain Wetherspoons say they are still 'absolutely committed' to opening a pub on Osborne Road in Pontypool.

But despite resolving issues over ownership of the planned site, they will not give a date for when work on the £1.2 million project is likely to start.

The comments came as workers patched up windows and doors on the empty premises at 130-31 Osborne Road where the pub is planned.

A spokesman for Wetherspoons said: "Wetherspoons are absolutely committed to opening a pub there.

"We have sorted out planning problems in recent weeks. It is on the schedule for conversion into a public house. We have planning and licensing consents. When it happens just depends on our national planning schedule.

"The delay has been caused by issues over the ownership of the building and planning details." Wetherspoons have signed a long lease with the building's owners, Pontypool Park Estates.

"The vandalism is regrettable and we will be looking to take steps to protect the building in the future," added the company spokesman.

"We are doing everything we can to get it open as soon as possible.

A council spokesman confirmed a resolution for planning permission had been made and that they were still in negotiations with the company to complete section 106 (planning) agreements.

The Free Press understands details still to be determined include a cash donation from the company towards improvements to the town centre's CCTV system and improvements to steps at the side of the site.

The £1.2 million development was first announced in 2001 when the company said it hoped to open in 2002. It has even been given a name, the John Capel Hanbury.

Since then, a series of start dates have passed without work beginning. A Wetherspoons pub in Cwmbran, announced after the Pontypool venue, has been open for several months.