Stafford pub in land swap plan

A religious group is in talks with council bosses over a possible "land swap" deal involving a former Stafford pub which has lain empty since it closed in September.

The Express & Star can reveal today that officers at Stafford Borough Council are in discussions with the Exclusive Brethren over the future of the former Lynton Tavern pub in Weeping Cross.

The talks are centred on the use of the pub car park which is a key facility for local residents accessing nearby shops and post office.

The Brethren purchased the Lynton Tavern and its car park last year when it was put up for sale by owners Punch Taverns.

It served its last pint in September and has been empty ever since becoming a target for vandals.

Work has started to convert the pub into a religious meeting place for the Brethren after the group gained planning permission in January.

News of a possible land swap will give hope to campaigners who want to see the venue re-open as a community pub.

If a better location can be found for the Brethren the group has indicated it would be willing to sell the building.

Gerrard Gates, from the Brethren said: "The situation hasn't changed from what it has always been. If someone wants it, it is available as long as the council can provide an alternative site. The council and the Lynton Tavern action group are well aware of that."

He said the group had begun carrying out the alterations to the pub in line with its plans and had not suffered any delays or problems."

Will Conaghan, spokesman for the borough council said: "We are in talks with the Brethren to ensure the car park at the Lynton Tavern remains available for the use of the public in the future.

"To do this we are looking at a potential 'land swap'."

Mike Tyson, from the Save The Lynton Tavern Association said: "It has been in a rough state and the area has been suffering for that but my understanding is that there are contractors in now.

"We believe they are talking to the council and we will be speaking to breweries to see if we can put something in place if the pub is put up for sale again."