Express & Star

Former barman ready to save Staffordshire pub

He used to live at the pub and worked behind the bar as a teenager.

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Now Jason Ramsdale wants to step in and save the former Pied Piper in Cannock from being turned into a shop - by taking it on himself and reopening it as a pub.

A long-running campaign by regulars failed to prevent the venue from closing earlier this year and it emerged last week that permission was being sought to turn the building into a shop.

But Mr Ramsdale, aged 32 - prompted by seeing the 'For Sale' signs outside the old pub - has now spoken to the current owners and is seeking to apply for a licence.

He lived in the pub from the age of around 17 when his aunty and uncle, Rob and Paula Haywood, were the leaseholders.

"It's been about 12 years since I worked there," he said. "I started off by collecting glasses and then worked behind the bar and in the kitchen.

"Before that, my aunty and uncle were friends with the previous owners. We used to have discos there, christenings and weddings. Then my aunty and uncle moved out."

Mr Ramsdale, who lives in Chadsmoor, Cannock, went on to run the Doxey Arms in Stafford for a number of years.

He continued: "I always wanted the Pied Piper back but I wasn't old enough when my aunt and uncle moved on.

"I recently drove past the pub and saw the signs outside.

"I've spoken to the owners and I've set up a Facebook page which already has 380 likes."

To get the ball rolling further, he has organised an event on Monday (11) to gain support for his pub plan.

It is taking place at The Nest pub in John Street, Chadsmoor from 6-9pm.

"I just want as many people as possible to come down and show their support," he added. "I've got big plans for this pub.

"I want to add a children's play area to it and bring back food and live entertainment so it's like it used to be when it was popular back in the day."

Mr Ramsdale is hoping to take on the pub with his business partner Matt Euston. The pair first met at the Pied Piper when it was run by Mr Ramsdale's family and Mr Euston used to drink there with his friends.

The former Pied Piper is currently owned by SEP Properties, which specialises in refashioning former pubs into convenience stores.

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